Thomas Michael Rustici

Thomas Michael Rustici passed away at his residence on Tuesday, April 22, 2014, after a brief illness, with family by his side. Tom was born in Pawcatuck, Connecticut, on February 19, 1927, son of the late Michaelangelo and Domenica (Nee: Sammataro) Rustici. Tom was the second youngest of seven siblings.

During World War II Tom proudly served in the United States Navy. Tom spent his childhood in Connecticut and attended college in Milwaukee at MSOE. Tom was fortunate to meet Joyce Rupinski during this time, and they were married on April 11, 1953, in Milwaukee, WI. Tom was an extremely caring and devoted spouse.

Tom spent his career with JI Case Tractors, as a Manufacturing Engineer. Tom did a marvelous job raising five children. He raised them in a very positive and patient fashion, with all five children carrying on these traits. He was a devoted Catholic who spent many years as an usher and was chairperson for St. Paul’s Senior group. Tom has many cherished friends who he has spent time with in various activities; playing cards, golfing and traveling. His love for woodworking will forever be remembered in the various items he made for family and friends.

He is survived by his spouse of 61 years, Joyce; children, Dave (Carol) Rustici of Loveland, CO, Ken (Lynn) Rustici of Racine, Robert(Lisa) Rustici of Nashua, NH, Kathy (Roger) Hermsen of Green Bay, Ann (Craig) DeCamp of Waterford, WI; twelve grandchildren, Matt (Katie) Rustici, Jessica (Zach) Jones, Sarah (Kris) Gerulski, Megan (Jeff) Swanson, Christophe (Kim) Rustici, Marissa (fiancé, Jonathan) Rustici; Lindsay, Aaron and Natalie Hermsen; Max, Eric and Jake DeCamp; and 5 ½ great-grandchildren, Logan and Ella Rustici, Theo and Johanna Swanson, Weston Gerulski; brother, Charles (Patricia) Rustici; sisters-in-law, Dorothy Kiedrowski and Grace Rupinski; numerous nieces and nephews, other relatives and dear friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, April 24, 2014, at 11 a.m. at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 6400 Spring St., with Rev. Terrance J. Huebner officiating. Entombment with Full Military Honors will follow at Holy Cross Garden Mausoleum, Hwy 32. Relatives and friends may meet with the family Thursday at the church from 9:30 a.m. until time of Mass at 11 a.m. A  Roma Lodge service will be held at 10 a.m.

The family extends a special thank you to Hospice Alliance, and specifically Mohamed’s compassionate care. Thanks, Tom, for being the awesome person you were. We Love You!

MARESH-MEREDITH & ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME
803 Main St., Racine  (262) 634-7888