Photo courtesy of Reed & Benoit Funeral Home Inc. - Watertown
Nov 21, 1950 - Nov 2, 2025
I will miss you deeply. JR gave me great advice over the last five years years. RIP
Timothy Drake
November 10, 2025 | Alexandria Bay, NY | Friend
Oh JR, as the tears run down my cheeks knowing you’re gone, I know you’re up there shaking your head wondering why I am sad. You had such an impact on my life in the short number of years I had the pleasure of knowing you. You were like the wise old owl. The last thing I said to you was telling you that I had started to attend church and that I am repairing my relationship with God. And your response was nothing more than AMEN. I knew how proud of me you were for that. My deepest thoughts and...
Amanda Dixson
November 03, 2025 | Theresa, NY | Friend
Joseph Jude Rusin, known affectionately by those who loved and knew him best as “J,” “J.R.,” or “Joe,” passed away peacefully on November 2, 2025, in Watertown, New York. He was born on November 21, 1950, in New York City to his mother, Mary Cowles. Joseph was larger than life and is someone who you would never forget after meeting him.
Joe was educated at New Dorp High School in Staten Island and later attended Pace University and New York City University, as he furthered his education. It was in Staten Island where he met the love of his life, Rose Ann. They were united in marriage on May 6, 1972. The couple married and began to raise their two children there before moving to Upstate New York, where they built a life full of love, happiness, and family.
A man of deep Catholic faith, Joe drew great strength from his spirituality throughout his life. He faced many health challenges over the years but continually overcame them with courage, determination, and an unwavering desire to spend more time with his beloved family.
Joseph was a hardworking and dedicated entrepreneur who built a successful career through perseverance and vision. After years of working for others, he pursued his dream of owning his own business, founding GWIZZ Auto Group. He later expanded his ventures with City Auto Repair and Sales and continued to grow his enterprises through diligence and commitment.
He had a great love for travel, particularly the many cherished trips to Jamaica he shared with his wife, Rose Ann. Above all, his family was his greatest joy. His children and grandchildren were his pride and happiness, and his love for them was evident in all he did.
J.R. was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need, generously donating to others and volunteering his time during better health as a lay minister at the local hospital. He was known for offering thoughtful advice and meaningful conversation to all who sought his counsel. His kindness, warmth, and wisdom left a lasting impression on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
Joseph will be remembered for his unwavering faith, tireless work ethic, and deep devotion to his family. He will also be remembered by his children for his sense of humor, phone pranks and long conversations. He is survived by his loving wife, Rose Ann Rusin; his children, Shawn Rusin and his wife Jenny, and Kelly Whalen and her husband David; and his six cherished grandchildren, Conner Whalen, Lana Whalen, Charli Rusin, Cierra Rusin, Zachary Rusin, and Elyanna Rusin. He is also survived by extended family and friends who will miss him dearly.
Funeral services will be held at Holy Family Church, 129 Winthrop Street, Watertown, on Thursday, November 6th at 1:00 pm, followed by burial at Glenwood Cemetery. Calling hours will take place at Reed & Benoit Funeral Home on Thursday, November 6th from 10:00 am – noon.
Arrangements are with Reed & Benoit Funeral Home, Watertown, online condolences can be made at www.reedbenoit.com
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