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Joseph Ruscigno Obituary
Joseph Ruscigno
Resident of San Jose
April 20, 1914 - Nov. 25, 2010
Joseph Ruscigno passed away at the age of 96. He was a lifelong resident of San Jose, The Valley of Hearts Delight. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 63 years. Alma (Prandi) Ruscigno.
Joseph was also known lovingly as "Red", Rusty, Grandpa, Great Grandpa, Uncle Joe and Padrino. He was an amazing father to Ron (Sharon) and Lorene (Lew Milligan). He was born on Northrup Avenue to Battisa and Anna Ruscigno. They were born in Tricarico, Italy and came to America to find a better life. Joe was the youngest of eight brothers and sisters; Mary, Josephine, Pete, Jack, Frank, Tony, Julia and Nell, (all departed); dear brother-in-law to Ed (Eleanor), Dante (Emma) and Elio (Jean) Prandi, (departed). He is survived by many grandchildren; Russell (Danice), Angela (Keith), Marlo (Evan), Shawn (Nancy), Matt (Stacey), Monica (Norm) and Fred, Great grandchildren; Reagan, Riley, Ryan, Rhys, Nicholas, Carson, Quinn and Remy, as well as many nieces, nephews, godchildren, and cousins.
Joe defined the American Spirit, - sometimes working four jobs during the depression. He was an orchardist growing walnuts and prunes on Stevens Creek and Winchester Boulevard and apricots with his son in Tracy. He also worked for National Can for many years. His work on the family farm taught him to be inventive, self-reliant and hard working. He always found time to be there for family, friends and neighbors. He was a Sea Scout, Boy Scout leader, and an avid hunter and fisherman. He taught many generations to respect and cherish the outdoors.
During WWII, Joe was a designated Air Warden for Zone 12 Burbank.
Joseph relived his passion for sports attending his grandchildren and great grandchildrens' games. He was their biggest fan!
After 56 years, he and his friend Glen, watched the Giants win the World Series.
Joseph was a member of the Tricarico Sociale Club, the Farm Bureau, the SIRS and Friday Coffee Club with neighbors and friends. He was a graduate of CHS class of 1933. He was a devout Catholic and belonged to St. Martin's for 67 years and the Assumption of Mary Catholic Church.
A Rosary and Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, December 7th at 10:00 AM at the Assumption of Mary, 901 Lincoln Avenue, San Jose. Internment to follow at Calvary Catholic Cemetery, 2650 Madden Avenue, San Jose.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Assumption of Mary Catholic Church.
"A new commandment I give unto you, love one another as I have loved you."
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Ruscigno
4 Entries
Eileen & John Matthews
December 7, 2010
Joe & Alma Ruscigno ~ How truly blessed my family was to have moved next door to your wonderful parents, grandparents, etc. Always willing to lend a hand if something needed doing. One morning not that long after we moved into the neighborhood, I saw Joe in our backyard, clippers in hand pruning our Cherry and Apricot tree. This happened every year we lived next door. Trash day, either Joe or Glen would be sure my cans were brought safely back as they knew John was often out-of-town on business. Whenever Brad, Brian or Bryce needed babysitting, Alma would always give them a wonderful lunch or healthy snack. I learned about macaroni's & pasta's I had never heard of; I learned how to kill snails without bait, how a ranch is managed, how fruit are processed and packed, help with boy scouting events; on and on and on. We loved and will miss your wonderful parents and grandparents.
God Bless,
Eileen, John, Bradley, Brian & Bryce Matthews
Silveira
December 3, 2010
We are sad to hear of Mr. Ruscigno’s passing. He was a great neighbor! His advise on fruit trees and gardening was very helpful to us and we enjoyed talking with him. We will miss him! Our condolences go out to his family.
The Silveira Family
Jo Piazza Chisholm
December 3, 2010
Our many wonderful family memories (over 60 years!)will last more than a lifetime. I will miss your dad. He was a terrific man, very loved by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. My thoughts & prayers are with you and your families.
December 3, 2010
At Assumption of Mary Catholic Church, every Sunday rain or shine you were there. We will miss you and that wonderful smile.
God Bless you.
In Christ through Mary.
The Hauwert family.
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