Name: Visitation for Thomas Ruisi Sr.
Start: 2025-10-30T17:00:00.000Z
End: 2025-10-30T19:00:00.000Z
Location: Buckler-Johnston Funeral Home

WESTERLY - Thomas 'Tuck' Ruisi Sr. 89 of Westerly, RI passed away on October 23rd surrounded by his family. He was the loving husband of Jan (Morosini) Ruisi for 45 years. Born in Westerly, RI on May 18th, 1936. He was the son of the late Anthony and Phoebe (Dennison) Ruisi.

Tom served in the United States Army from 1954-1957.

After the Army he was employed by Electric Boat in Groton, CT and proudly worked there for 37 years. First as a shipfitter, foreman, general foreman and retired as a superintendent of steel trades.

His hobbies and activities were many. All of which he was still doing in the last year of his life. Golfing, sailing, skiing, bowling, kayaking, working at his home, and proudly mowing his lawn (which he did on the last day of his life). He was a member of the Westerly Lions Club for over 40 years. Where he worked with Habitat for Humanity and helped with many fundraisers and projects in Westerly. He loved the town of Westerly, and many times would say 'Westerly should be a secret'. Tom loved watching college football and basketball. He was a lifetime Yankee hater and Red Sox fan. Tom was a member of the Westerly Yacht Club and North End Club where he enjoyed Friday and Saturday afternoon lunch with the guys. He was also a longtime season ticket holder for the University of Rhode Island men's basketball team (Go Rhody!).

When his children, nieces and nephews were young he was a coach for the farm system baseball team and taught all of them to ski. He took them to Vermont for many ski trips and had memorable trips skiing in Utah and Colorado. He enjoyed traveling, having been to Europe multiple times, Alaska and many parts of the United States. He was a man that was always first to lend a hand, had an outfit for every occasion, enjoyed a good Bombay martini, and would always engage in thoughtful, intelligent conversation. People loved being in his company and words cannot describe how much hell be missed. We love you Tuck.

Tom is survived by his four children Mark, Michael (Dawn), Thomas Jr., Jo Ellen (Steve) and his granddaughter Eve (Max). He is also survived by his longtime companion Cathy Haire. He will be sadly missed by his many nieces, nephews and lifelong friends.

Tom was predeceased by his beloved wife Jan Ruisi. His parents and his sisters, Helen Tinker Stankiewick and Sister Mary Jane Ruisi. And his favorite pit bull, Gracie.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, October 30th from 5-7 PM at Buckler-Johnston Funeral Home, 121 Main St. Westerly, RI

A celebration of life will take place at the Westerly Yacht Club on November 15th from 11-3 PM

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Tom's name to the Westerly Lions Club or Westerly Library and Wilcox Park.

For online condolences, please visit www.buckler-johnston.com

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

Published by The Westerly Sun on Oct. 28, 2025.

Memorial Events
for Thomas Ruisi

Oct

Visitation

5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Buckler-Johnston Funeral Home

121 Main Street, Westerly, RI 02891

Nov

Service

11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Westerly Yacht Club

1 Watch Hill Rd., Westerly, RI 02891

Funeral services provided by:

Buckler-Johnston Funeral Home - Westerly

121 Main Street, Westerly, RI 02891

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Ruisi

Sponsored by Buckler-Johnston Funeral Home - Westerly.

5 Entries

Mark Morth

October 28, 2025

Many fond memories of of our cousins and the Ruisi house. I remember sleepovers and days spent Misquamicut Beach in the summer and ice skating in the winter. We had great childhoods. To Mark, Michael, Tiger and Jo Ellen, we are sorry for your loss and pray that you will all be comforted by the memories of your Dad.
Love your cousin,
Mark Morth

Rae Ann Sciro

October 28, 2025

Sorry for your loss.

Linda Renzoni Flynn

October 28, 2025

Mark, Michael, Tiger and Jo Ellen, my sincerest sympathy at the passing of your dad. It´s so hard to bury a much loved parent, and sadly you have now buried both. I often thought how wonderful it was that your dad wanted his children close by even as adults, so he filled the big house on School Street with His loved ones. My fondest memory of your father occurred at Uncle Joe Quaratella´s funeral service. Tom´s face broke into a huge smile upon seeing my weight loss ; and he said "Your cousin Jan would be so happy for you" He knew that I too had experienced Aunt Lillian´s disdain over the extra weight I carried. His face mirrored pure joy for my accomplishment. Sad to say, the pounds have returned but the memory of his happiness for me has remained a constant. May the wonderful times you shared be an abiding joy. Love, Cousin Linda

David Carson

October 28, 2025

The Carson's send our love and condolences to the Ruisi Family. Spectacular memories of getting the old Ford station wagon stuck in the snow in Vermont during one of our ski trips! We will miss Tom and are saddened by the news. Judy, David and Jay Carson

Cindy Renzoni

October 28, 2025

I spent quite a few weekends at the RUISI home when I was a child, as Jan was my second cousin. My sister and I were crazy about the twins and Tiger Man when they were babies and we were 6 and 8. By the time JoEllen arrived we were older and didn´t spend as much time with the RUISI clan but have nothing but fond happy memories of the entire family. I´m so happy he was such a good dad and that he was surrounded by his loved ones when he died. You are all in my prayers.

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