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Stephen Rullo Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Stephen Rullo
Scott Olbin
May 6, 2024
I just came across this on the internet! I had no idea but always wondered what happened to the greatest leader, and people person I ever knew. Keep it simple he said! He created a bonus program from himself on down to the cashiers. You knew what you had to do and if you did it you were rewarded. So many people were able to gain knowledge on if the company made money the employees would share. Then to top it off he let us have lavish dinners with our spouses at fabulous resorts, while also allowing for overnight stays.
Steve you did so much for me and your zest for life was amazing. Never had anyone close to you with the knowledge you had and shared. I miss you greatly and offer condolences to your family!
Sincerely,
Scott Olbin
Cheryl and BiLL Davis
October 7, 2020
Madge, children and all Rullo’s and friends, our continued condolences and best thoughts concerning the passing of, Steve Rullo! Both Steve and his family are very important to us and we pray that sweet thoughts of him will bring you all peace of mind and of heart! As always, we take great solace in knowing that the perpetual light has shown upon him and that you, his family, are consoled by your knowledge and faith that he is in Heaven!
Cheryl& BiLL Davis
October 13, 2019
Dear Madge, Children and the entire Rullo Family; the Legacy Guest Book that reappears is a very good thing! It helps us to again remember those who we have lost in this extra special way and it lets us think of of the family again with more special and sympathetic thoughts! Steve Rullo was special! He simply stood out but not in a pushy or show offy way! He led with a quiet strength that others simply followed! I believe that is why he was most admired, successful and loved! Also, helping him greatly was the close strength and support of his wife, Madge and the closeness of his loving children!!!! Steve, may the perpetual light shine upon you and may your family still feel that Steve Rullo Heat that fired your family each day! Our love and prayers to you all!!!! Cheryl and BiLL Davis
Helen Rullo
October 9, 2013
A year ago we lost a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. Steve was an amazing man who loved his family and friends. We will remember him always. I know he and Ted are enjoying each others company and of course, sharing jokes in heaven. We are consoled knowing they are together and that we will see them again.
Dad and me
Stephen Rullo
January 21, 2013
For those that did not attend the services, I wanted to post my father's euology.
Welcome. For those that do not know me, I am Steve Rullo, the middle child and oldest son of Steve and Madge. To begin, on behalf of the Rullo and Malseed Family, I want to thank Father Chiefo for allowing me, on behalf of my family, to say some words prior to the start of the mass, and I want to thank all of you for attending the services, as well as for all of the support that has been provided by all of you to us.
So, today, we usher my father into God's Kingdom……this is bittersweet. As many of you know, my father battled Alzheimers for most of the last decade. It's been one long journey. We are happy my father is no longer suffering, and we are comforted in our belief that he is now in a better place.
Who was Steve Rullo?
Steve liked to tell people he was just a little Italian Catholic guy from South Philadelphia. Truth is that he was really just as much Irish, as Italian. Truth is he was really from Glenolden, not South Philadelphia. Truth is that he use to say he was “just a little Italian Catholic guy from South Philadelphia”, because he was so proud of what he felt it meant to be a part of the Rullo family - which when he was growing up was mostly rooted in South Philadelphia via Nusco Avelino (Italy) – he was proud that he was the son of an immigrant father – he was proud of the Faith, Family, and Friends principles that his Grandmother, Grandfather, Mother, Father, Aunts and Uncles instilled within him, his brothers, and his sister. He was proud of the hustle, hard work, and putting oneself in position characteristics which he believed personified the Rullo's of South Philadelphia.
He often told Michelle, Shaun, and I that when making decisions in life to keep it simple stupid ….. he asked us to remember to ask ourselves “will what I do embarrass myself or any other members within the family if they found out about it?” - If the answer was “yes”, he encouraged us “not to do it”.
He was not perfect, no one is, but, in our eyes, he was close to perfect…….He was about relationships! He enjoyed helping others, and offering words of guidance to others….. he felt that everyone needed direction in life, and he was willing to share his opinion on proper direction with many. He would often say “we can do that….. and this is how we are going to do it”.
With all his success, he never forgot where he came from …. I can remember being 14 years old riding in the car with my father en route to pick up at LAX my grandmother who was coming into town for one her many California visits. It was close to midnight and my dad and I got off at Supelveda Blvd. While stopped at a red light at an intersection my father noticed there was an ARCO – AMPM station which had a gasoline tanker unloading fuel….. my father unexpectedly whipped his car into the ARCO AMPM parking lot, parked, told me to jump out of the car and follow him. At that time, he was President of ARCO – AMPM…. He approached and introduced himself to the driver, he introduced me, and he proceeded to stand in the lot for 10-15 minutes shooting the breeze with the driver while the driver finished unloading the fuel. When we got back in the car, my father made it a point to lecture me on the importance of never forgetting about the “little guys”….. he reminded me that he had started with ARCO as a “little guy” .. he was once a night patrol man at the Atlantic Refinery…. He said he was fortunate, per his hard work, and some good fortune, to have been given some opportunities in life, and that to be a leader, one must lead from the bottom up with passion, be a real person, be humble, and care about others.
Within our family, my father was ever present – HOW he was able to juggle so well the demands of being such a successful Oil Executive alongside a 2 hour a day roundtrip commute, being a husband, a father, and year round coach is beyond me. My mother, sister, and brother, and I have all received numerous outreaches from people from so many different walks of life….. most of the communications have a common theme .. all remember Steve being ever present in our lives… always at our events, always passionate about us. At that time, to us, his constant presence was just a normal part of our lives, it was just dad being dad, but to others it was impressive and noticeable, and now, as I have a career and family of my own, I realize just how impressive his constant passionate presence was.
The relationship my father shared with my mother was truly special…..41 years of marriage, and the till death us part was obviously something my mother carried with her throughout the final years of my dad's life. The love and care my mother gave my father was nothing short of admirable. We all witnessed it and we are all thankful for it. I want to share a quick story about my father's love for my mother….. My father retired at 48 years of age. One night, shortly after my father's retirement, I was out in the Jacuzzi with my father, and I asked him, Dad, what are you going to do now… you're only 48. He looked at me and said “Stevie, I don't ever have to work again, and I don't know if I really want to work again,…..I now have the opportunity to spend every day with my best-friend (Madge)… we can play golf together, we can go to matinees together, we can do whatever we want together… you're Mom is super, she's the best, and I would like nothing more than to spend as much time as possible with my Madge. He told me that many businessmen travel to get some time away from their respective wives. He told me that he was never one of those guys. My mother was always aware how much my father loved her because he told her and showed her just how much he did love her every day of his life...
So, to close, I just want to say we miss you dad. We miss your great smile, we miss your great story telling, we miss your great love for life, we miss your great love for all of us…You were much more than a little Italian Catholic guy from South Philadelphia. You were one of a kind and, in my opinion, you had the “IT Factor” that made you someone that Michelle, Shaun, and I were all PROUD to have as a father, whom mom was proud to have as her husband, whom your brothers and sister were proud to have as a brother,whom your nephews and nieces were proud to have as a uncle, and whom your friends were proud to have as a friend.
God Bless you Dad.
Me and Uncle Steve One Rullo Beach Week
Christine Rullo Zmuda
December 1, 2012
I will miss my godfather Uncle Steve. He was a great man who dedicated so much of his life to the betterment of his family and community. I'm so glad we had the time together at many Rullo beach weeks. Aunt Madge and Uncle Steve were a great example to me of a loving couple who truly cared for each other and their extended family. I know my Dad Ted is showing his little brother around in heaven. You all are in my prayers.
November 21, 2012
GREW UP WITH TED AND STEVE ON RAMBLER ROAD GLENOLDEN SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS DON CARROLL
Bill & Bobbi Walker
October 27, 2012
Madge and Family,
I will miss Steve after our long career at ARCO that began in the early 70's when we were both "young" "Marketing Representatives". We competed and had fun. I remember, so well, the grand sense of humor while always maintaining his professionalism and dedication to ARCO. When there was a situation about what direction to go, he was the one who taught me to ask "What would George or Ed do".
I'm so grateful we could get together in FL with the others several years ago.
God Bless.
Bill
October 23, 2012
My husband and Steve were friends , good memories of sports, laughs and good times . I on the other hand knew Madge in grade school and high school. We want you to know you are in our thoughts and prayers. Rosemary (Honer) Pennington and Ernie Chartier
October 22, 2012
So sorry to hear of Steve's passing. It was good to see him a few years back in Avalon. Condolences Madge.
Mike Studzinski, Avalon, N.J.
Ted, Helen, Steve and Madge Rullo
October 19, 2012
Joe Scherer
October 18, 2012
Steve was a great man who I respected a great deal. He was my mentor at ARCO and he did things for my career that I will always be grateful for. I always looked forward to going on field rides with Steve. I would learn so much from him and his passion for the business would get me charged up. I will never forget the things he taught me and I will never forget what he did for me and for my family. My sincerest condolences to the Rullo family.
Mike & Cynthia McDermott
October 18, 2012
So sorry to hear of your loss. Steve's suffering is at an end. Now the family needs to celebrate his life.
Jack Beal
October 18, 2012
It is difficult to express my feelings. Steve was a wonderful person and his enthusiasm infectious. God bless his family at their loss.
Ted and Steve Rullo at Rullo Beach Week at Isle of Palms, South Carolina, July 2009
Alicia Steiger
October 17, 2012
Aunt Madge and my wonderful cousins:
It seems surreal that you are all going through the same journey just a short seven months after losing my Dad. The only peace that I have is that two brothers, who shared a tremendous bond and love for one another, are reunited with Grand mom and Pop Pop in heaven. I know that they are both holding court "Rullo style" and I am sure competing for the one liners and the laughs from all of the beloved family members that have passed before them. When I look at all of you I am reminded of one of the many gifts that Dad gave us. He made sure that his Florida girls became reacquainted with their California cousins. I am so thankful of our time together, especially all of our beach week memories. Know that Uncle Steve is with you, and forever present in your hearts and minds. Look for the signs as he will always guide you in the right direction. Aunt Madge, you are without a doubt, a role model for many. Your love, patience and compassion throughout the battle with Alzheimer's did not go unnoticed. All of the Rullos love you! You are an amazing individual. We love you ALL so very much! Alicia, Hans, Caroline and Cameron Steiger
Marty Beatty
October 17, 2012
My condolences to the Rullo Family.
October 17, 2012
Dear Madge,
So sorry to hear of your loss, we remember the good times with you and Steve here at Bear Creek. Our condolences to you and your family.
Bob and Julie Moran
Bruce Campbell
October 16, 2012
My sincere condolence to the Rullo family. Steve will always remain in my mind as the best of the best in the Arco family.
Charlene & Vic Romano
October 16, 2012
Madge and family,
We have missed you and Steve since taking leave of CA. The good times and laughter will always be remembered. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
October 15, 2012
To Madge and Family - although it has been years since I saw Steve, I do recall the time we spent together at St. Joseph's in Joe Arndt's Accounting class. He was a very down to earth guy and I am so sorry for your loss. May God give you comfort in the months ahead. Sincerely, Bob Rock, St. James & St. Joe's.
Joe Lynne Bucaro
October 15, 2012
Always felt that we knew, Steve, as Ted spoke of his little brother often. His many visits and travels. Missing Ted is so hard but to know he is laughing again with his brother will be consoling. God bless you Madge for all your loving care.
October 15, 2012
So sorry to hear about the passing of Steve. He was a teammate of ours at Bonner and we will never forget that 1967 Bonner team. It goes down as one of the greatest teams in Bonner History and Steve was a huge part of that success. He was a great guy and will be missed. We will keep all of you in our prayers
The Hunter Twins, Art and Jim
Edward Rock
October 15, 2012
In August of 1967, a group of 18 year olds, soon to be freshmen, boarded buses in the parking lot at St. Joe's and travelled to Jersey City on a two night religious retreat. The buses were boarded alphabetically and I got the privelege of sitting next to a guy named Steve Rullo. We hit it off immediately. Once we got to the retreat house and sat through the rules, upcoming agenda and meal, we snuck out after curfew to a bar. We did this the next night also. Had to take a taxi back both times. Rullo was my first college friend. Full of self-confidence, loyal, funny. A great laugh. When I read the paper Sunday, I recognized the smile first then the name. Hard to believe a mere 45 years has passed. I knew if I ever saw him again we would easily have picked it right up. He was just one of those guys.
My sincerest to his entire family and friends.
October 15, 2012
My condolences to the Rullo Family. I will never forget that smile. I knew Steve well in High School and valued his friendship. Bill Hutton, MBHS 1967
Bob and Sydney Machon
October 14, 2012
My sincere sympathy to Madge and all the Rullo family for their loss. Steve was a great guy and a good friend. He will be missed by his many California colleagues and friends.
William Davis
October 14, 2012
Dear Madge,Michelle,Steve,Shaun,Rullo family and friends, We send our condolences to you and we wish that your sorrow will be diminished as time goes by. Steve was an extraordinary man and that can best be exemplified by his extraordinary wife and children.Before he left he was asked to go through an ordeal that was beyond all ordeals. He made it through because of his internal personal strength and because he had a wife that was always there no matter how great the challenge! May God Bless,Steve and May God Bless his wife and children. Ted, please greet Steve and know that we miss both of you and that we always will! Love, Cheryl and Bill Davis
October 14, 2012
My Sincere Sympathy to you and the Rullo Family. My husband,Joe McGowan lived in Glenolden, was a long time friend of the Rullo Family. I remember
meeting Steve and his great smile. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Joyce McGowan
Avalon, NJ
Tom and Joyce Murphy
October 14, 2012
Steve possessed a rare mixture of competitiveness and compassion in every thing he did. He always tried to make things better for everyone involved in every organization he led. He did this with his constant smile and warm welcome, even after he became ill. Steve leaves a legion of friends who will always remember him. We send our thoughts and prayers to Madge and all Steve's family
Tom and Joyce Murphy
October 14, 2012
Steve had a rare combination of competitiveness and compassion. He was driven to make things better for all involved in every organization he led. He greeted everyone with his constant smile and cheerful demeanor, even after he became ill.
Steve leaves a legion of friends who will always remember him. We send our thoughts and prayers to Madge and all of Steve's family
Tom and Joyce Murphy
October 14, 2012
Steve was a rare mixture of a competitive and compassionate person in all he undertook. He always tried to make things better for all people involved in whatever endeavor he lead. He always had a bright and ready smile for everyone he greeted, even after his illness began. We send our condolences to Madge and all of Steve's family. Steve leaves a legion of friends behind.
Harry and Joan Johnson
October 14, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with Madge and the entire Rullo family.
I had the privilege of working with Steve for many years at ARCO. He was a terrific story teller with a great sense of humor and was a pleasure to be associated with. In addition, Steve was a very effective leader who created a sense of Team in his many leadership roles at ARCO.
May he rest in peace.
Nancy Hernandez
October 14, 2012
The smile in this photo of Steve is exacly as I remember him. This smile drew you into his humor, making you want to be a part of his stories and laughter. He was smart, clever, driven and sincere. While President of ARCO's PSI, he instilled a pride and enthusiasm in the employees that was unsurpassed. He was the "rock star" -- when he would take the podium, the organization would light up and cheer loudly. He was a whirl of ideas and motion -- a dynamic personality. My condolences to Madge and his family -- a very very sad loss.
Erin Fleming
October 14, 2012
I am so so sorry for your loss. Mr. Rullo was a wonderful man. I have such fond memories when I was little at the Rullo house of his incredible sense of humor and vibrant personality. My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family.
George Ennis
October 14, 2012
So sorry to learn Steve has passed. He was a positive man, very competitive and fair.I will always remember his dedication to youth sports and his love for his family.
Eileen Reilly
October 13, 2012
Steve was such a warm-hearted, all around great guy. Ed and I will always treasure our friendship with Steve and Madge and especially our golf outings after we had all retired from ARCO. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Rullo family at this very sad time.
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