Andrew Rusinko Obituary

RUSINKO
COL Andrew Rusinko, USA (Ret.), age 82, passed away, surrounded by his family on Monday, April 21, 2014 in San Antonio, Texas. Colonel Rusinko was born to Andrew and Ann Rusinko in Nanticoke, Pennsylvania on December 12, 1931. Colonel Rusinko is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Yolanda Rusinko and his children, Andrew Rusinko, III, Rachel Arsena and Malia Ploetz; his sister, Faith Scozzari. Colonel Rusinko is also survived by his daughter-in-law, Kathy Rusinko and son-in-laws, Sal Arsena and Scott Ploetz, as well as his grandchildren, Jessica Dyer and husband, Adam Dyer, Ashley Arsena and husband, Chris Arsena, Lt. Andrew Rusinko and wife, Alisha Rusinko, Mary Sumner, Rebecca Johnson and husband, Steve Johnson, Kara Ploetz, Sara Ploetz and Londa Ploetz, Katie Rusinko, Lauren Arsena and Steven Arsena. Great-grandchildren include, Lea Connerly, Aiden Ploetz London Dyer and Jaycee Johnson. "Poppa" will be greatly missed. Colonel Rusinko entered the US Army Reserves in October 1956 and then as commissioned 2LT assigned to Student Detachment, Headquarters, Second Army with station Georgetown University until June 1957. From June 1957 through July 1958, he was placed in the Officer US Army Reserves. In July 1958, Colonel Rusinko re-entered active duty in Student Officer Status and in August 1958 was assigned as General Medicine Officer with US Army Hospital, Fort Eustis, Virginia until July 1961. His first overseas tour of duty was in Hawaii from August 1961 through September 1965 where he did four years Residency Training in General Surgery with Student Detachment Tripler General Hospital. Upon his return from Hawaii, he was stationed at Fort Devens, Massachusetts as Chief, General Surgery Section, U S Army Hospital until September 1966 when he was transferred to 12th Evacuation Hospital, Vietnam. From October 1967 through August 1969, Colonel Rusinko returned to US Army Hospital, Fort Devens, Massachusetts, as Chief, Department of Surgery. His third overseas tour was in Germany from August 1969 through August 1972 with 2nd General Hospital where he served first as Chief, General Surgery Section; then as Assistant Chief, Department of Surgery; and finally as Chief, Department of Surgery. Upon his return from Germany and through July 1976, he was stationed at Dwight D. Eisenhower Medical Center, Fort Gordon, Georgia as Chief, Department of Surgery. In July 1976, he was assigned as Surgery Consultant for Health Services Command, Fort Sam Houston, Texas. In October 1978, he was reassigned as Chief, Department of Surgery, Brooke Army Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston, Texas, the position that he held upon his retirement in 1980. After retirement, Dr. Rusinko entered private practice and retired from private practice in 1998 in San Antonio, Texas. The family will receive friends beginning at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, April 25, 2014 at Porter Loring Mortuary North.

ROSARY
FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014
7:30 P.M.
PORTER LORING NORTH CHAPEL
2102 NORTH LOOP 1604 EAST

MASS
SATURDAY, APRIL 26, 2014
9:30 A.M.
ST. MARK THE EVEANGELIST
CATHOLIC CHURCH
1602 THOUSAND OAKS

Interment with Military Honors to follow in Holy Cross Cemetery.

You are invited to sign
the Guestbook at
www.porterloring.com

Arrangements with

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Antonio Express-News on Apr. 25, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Andrew Rusinko

7 Entries

Rachel Rusinko

May 22, 2014

The Colonel

The old soldier lies still, cold.
Bedecked in blue honor.
As a tarnished, worn medal.
The Colonel has fallen. The riderless horse stomps his hoof.
Duty has suffocated the beauty of his moral grace.
Honor has swallowed his virtuous strength.
Courage has felled his brave resolve.
The Colonel has fallen. The gun salute shatters the quiet.
Yet, he still commands, still, in silence.
Resolute, unyielding, determined.
Such sad honor braving such self sacrifice.
The Colonel has fallen. Taps begin to haunt.
Callous politicians with deadly strokes of pen.
Piercing hearts of many generations.
Imprisoning warriors with wounds of long ago wars.
The Colonel has fallen. And, the field is silent.
Finished, now, the years of battle. Freedom. The War is finally over.
-RYR

April 26, 2014

Mrs. Rusinko, Rachel and Malia this is Anna; I was so sadden to hear about your loss and heartbroken that Fred and I are currently out of town and unable to personally extend our heartfelt sympathy. I was honored to work for Dr. Rusinko for 15 years. I learned so much from him. The dedication, compassion and kindness he extended to his patients are my treasured memories.

Sending our love, Anna and Freddie Morante

James Potyka, MD

April 26, 2014

Andy was a great surgical consultant for us in the Baptist ED's, and was always a pleasure to deal with. We all miss him.

April 25, 2014

I seved with Andy @ the 12th Evac 67/68 One fine fellow and good officer
Col Jim Maves USA Ret

Marie Miller

April 25, 2014

Prayers for you and your family during this difficult time.
I worked as an RN in the SICU at Baptist and was always supported with return calls from Dr. Rusinko. No matter the time of day or night, he always knew the history of his patient & the needed course of treatment. I did not know that he had served in Viet Nam until I went to a reunion of the 12th. I was assigned in Nov 1967 so missed him by a month. He was an outstanding surgeon & helped so many. His love of family was apparent as was his support of the 12th Evac. He opened his home to the 12th reunions & the family served Texas barbecue.
He was one of the finest & kind physicians I ever had the pleasure of working with.
I'll keep you in my prayers.

Connie Evans

April 25, 2014

My husband and I were saddened to hear of Andy's passing. I served as a Nurse in Vietnam with him and respected and learned alot from him in my years tour. Please accept our condolences to the loss of a great man.

Hal Lymus

April 25, 2014

My name is Hal Lymus Retired USA Army. I was very proud to serve with Col. Russinko while stationed with the 12th Evac. Hospital in Cu Chi Republic of Vietnam from 1968-70. We were teammates throughout our services in a very hostile enviroment, but we overcame all adversities together. I remember many members of our unit, but Col. Rusinko was one you would never forget through his expertise and dedication with treating the sick and wounded. I offer my sincere sympathy to his entire family and all who know him as a special man. Thank you Col Rusinko for everything you did for our soldiers.

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