Obituary of Pasquale Ruscio Sr.

We are deeply saddened to announce Pat’s peaceful passing at his home on Sunday, November 21, 2021, at the age of 83. He was immersed in God’s perpetual love and surrounded in prayer by his adoring wife and family before being called home to his Eternal Father. 

Pat was born on August 25, 1938 to his late parents Domenico and Barbara Ruscio in Filadelfia, Catanzaro, Italy. He was the loving step-son to Maria Ruscio of Filadelfia, Italy.

Pat met the love of his life Annunziata (Nancy) in 1967 by chance while making a delivery to her family home in Genova, Italy. Pat and Nancy soon married, moved to Canada, and went on to have five children: David (Lidia), Barbara (Robin), Joseph (Romina), Patricia (Brian) and Pat Jr. (Mellissa). He is the proud and cherished Nonno of David, Mariah and Julian Ruscio; John-Pat DelPaggio, Seth and Dara (Mike) Brena; Morgan (Luke), Joey Jr. and Marcus Ruscio; Hannah and Hayden Ruscio; and Nicolò Ruscio Candido. He will be lovingly remembered by Lidia’s children Taryn and Paige Gazankas. Pat was fondly ‘Zio Patti’ to many nieces and nephews and was an adored cousin of many in both Italy and Canada. Predeceased by his brother Vincenzo of Filadelfia, Italy, father-in-law Giuseppe, of Genova, Italy and brother-in-law Onofrio “Angelo” Defina of Sault Ste. Marie. He is survived by brothers and sisters Giuseppe (“Joe”) Ruscio (late Caterina) of London, Ontario, Antonio (“Tony”) Ruscio (Anna) of Sault Ste. Marie, Barbara Bruni (late Franco) of Sault Ste. Marie, Carmelina DeNisi (Giuseppe) of Sault Ste. Marie, Vittoria Ruscio (Franco) of Filadelfia, Italy, Franco Ruscio (Adelina) of Filadelfia, Caterina Ruscio (late Enrico) of Filadelfia, and Mirella Ruscio (Pino) of Filadelfia, as well as by his mother-in-law, Teresa, and sister-in-law, Maria Defina, of Genova, Italy. Pat is also survived by many extraordinary lifelong friends.

After moving to Rome and serving his country in the military for a short time, Pat then began learning his craft which prepared him for work in Canada as a master stone mason.  He founded Ruscio Masonry and Construction and Ruscio Mini Storage in Sault Ste. Marie and remained a kind, compassionate and successful business figure in our community for years. He cared for and had tremendous respect for his businesses, many employees and suppliers.  His deep faith guided his hands to construct many buildings in Northern Ontario.  He gave without expectation of anything in return.  A devoted Christian, he prayed the holy rosary and Divine Mercy Chaplet daily. He dearly loved his rosary group. He received the Eucharist almost daily and was devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary. He would keep fresh flowers at her statue. We believe he died a happy death.   

Pat tried retirement several times but continued providing oversight to the family businesses well into his retirement.  His work ethic set a high standard for his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed traveling with his wife and family, cooking his famous pasta dishes, wine making, gardening hot peppers, mastering expert-level Sudoku, and watching countless Italian soccer matches--while always maintaining ‘la Forza Azzurra’ in both victory and defeat. For years he enjoyed league bowling with his wife and many friends. He was a trusted friend, spiritual mentor and loving confidante to his family and friends. Pat was a proud member of Knights of Columbus holding the honour of 4^th degree member and serving as a Grand Knight.

Friends and family are invited to visit at Northwood Funeral Home Cremation and Reception Centre (942 Great Northern Rd, 705-945-7758) on Saturday, November 27, 2021 from 10:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Masks and social distancing are required. The use of hand sanitizer is appreciated. A private family mass will be held at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church with Father Paul Conway officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Vincent’s Place and to extend a loving hand and warm smile to a neighbour or friend in need as Pat often did.

The family would like to extend their sincerest gratitude to the community who supported Pat through this journey especially Sault Ste. Marie EMS, Dr. Nicole Apostle, Brenda Patt, Dr. Jenkins and his staff, Dr. Berg, Dr. Sharpe, Dr. Stone, Dr. Lane, Dr. Hill, Dr. Spadafora, Dr. Bakar, Dr. Graham, Jennifer Murray RN, Peter DeAngelis PT, SAH nursing staff, ParaMed staff especially Tammy, Mike, Teresa, and Rachel, CBI Personal Support Staff especially Kelly, Alex, Denise, Kerry, and Lucas. LHIN staff, especially Andrea, and Katie, VitalAire staff especially Lacy, Alex and Dave, Manuel Dos Reis and staff at the Medicine Shoppe. A special thank you to Laura Candido RN and Angel Santa Maria for their love and support in Pat’s final days. Continued thanks to Father Paul Conway, Father Trevor Scarfone, Father Pat Woods, Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish Rosary Group, and the Friday afternoon prayer group for their endless support, spiritual guidance and everlasting friendship.

The LORD bless you and keep you;

the LORD make his face shine on you

And be gracious to you;

the LORD turn his face toward you

and give you peace.

Numbers 6:24-26