Albert Anthony Ruscitto

Albert Anthony Ruscitto
Albert Anthony Ruscitto was called home to be reunited with his wife in Heaven at the age of 97, on Feb. 21, 2024.
He was born March 7, 1926, to Michael and Ida Ruscitto in their home in the Collinwood area of Cleveland. Al was the younger brother of the late Nick (Angie, dec.) Ruscitto and older brother of Lou Ruscitto and Ann (Steven, dec.) Marine.
On Oct. 26, 1957, he married the beautiful Ida Briganti. Together, they had six children, Cheryl (Tod) Gorham, Michael Ruscitto, Albert Ruscitto, Christopher (Tara) Ruscitto, Sandy (Bob) Ingram, and David (Rose, dec.) Ruscitto. He was the loving grandfather of Robert (Michelle) Ingram, Christopher (Jaime) Ingram, Stephanie (Patrick) Jones, Brian (Jeanette) Gorham, Alexander (Jessica) Ryberg, Olivia (Jay) Tackett, Sarah (Jason) Upchurch, Rebekah (Justin) Jekel, Alexa Ruscitto, Maria Ruscitto, and Michael Ruscitto. He adored spending time with his great-grandchildren, Kailynn Ingram, Brynleigh Ingram, Benjamin Ingram, Logan Ingram, Luke Jones, and Cohen Gorham. He also has three great-grandchildren on-the-way.
Al spent his early years in the Collinwood neighborhood of Cleveland. He loved to regale his family and friends with tales of boyhood mischief and his athletic exploits at Humphrey's Field. He spent his summers working at Euclid Beach, perfecting how to make popcorn balls and saltwater taffy kisses. He graduated from Collinwood High School in 1944, where he was a member of the mile relay team that finished second in the State, but probably would have come in first if his brother and relay partner, Lou had been slightly faster.
Upon graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps, where he served as a tail gunner. His time in the service ignited a love for aviation that he never lost. He obtained his pilot's license in 1953, and after taking time out to raise a family, he soloed again at the age of 60. He was an avid golfer, and while he would play with just about anyone, his favorite playing partners were his brothers, Nick and Lou.
He worked at Fisher Body for more than 35 years, participated in their golf league, and won countless league championships. Subsequent to his retirement in Euclid, he went on to work at Manakiki Golf Course for 20 years. He developed a love for the course and the people he met there. While raising his children, he often worked two or three jobs to provide the best for the family. Al lived for his family. He worked hard, fought hard, and loved even harder. He was very proud of his Italian heritage and was quite critical of poorly made Italian food. Al loved homemade wine and enjoyed the occasional bowl of Scattone (pasta noodles topped with cheap red wine).
Al was a huge Ohio State fan, he looked forward every year to the family's annual Ohio State/Michigan bash, taking his seat of honor in Legends Row, and banging the gong with every Buckeye score. Win or lose the evening would not be complete without a traditional shot of Frangelico, "cent'anni," and a group photo. He also loved his daily gatherings at Panera's and hanging out with a group of friends he christened the Doughboys. And while they probably never spent more than $50 collectively, the memories and friendships he made were priceless.
The family will receive friends from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday, Feb. 26, at McMahon-Coyne-Vitantontio Funeral Home, 6330 Center St. (Route 615, north of Route 2), in Mentor. A funeral Mass will be held10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 27, at St. Bede Catholic Church, 9114 Lakeshore Blvd., Mentor. Al will be laid to rest at All Souls Cemetery in Chardon Township.
To leave condolences for the family or order flowers, visit www.MCVfuneralhomes.com.