Obituary of Rinaldo A. LoRusso

Rinaldo A. LoRusso entered into rest peacefully on Wednesday, January 17, 2018 with his loving family by his side at the age of 94. "Ree" was born in Rome N.Y. on September 22, 1923, son of the late Stefano and Graziella Stanisci LoRusso. He attended Rome schools and graduated from Rome Free Academy in 1942. Following high school, he enlisted in the U.S. NAVY serving his country during WWII aboard landing craft 371 as a signalman first class and Quartermaster. After being honorably discharged, Ree pursued his first love, ART. First attending Princeton University and then Syracuse University where he graduated in 1950 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree. Rinaldo retired after 32 years of service as Head of the Technical Illustration Department at RADC, Griffiss Airforce Base. On September 6, 1948, Ree was united in marriage to his "sweetheart" Katherine M. Puccio. A blessed union of 53 years until her passing on December 6, 2001. Ree was an avid fan of the N.Y. Yankees and the Syracuse Orangemen. Ree loved to fish and spent many summers up on the St. Lawrence with his son Steve trying to land "the big one". He also loved to play Bocce and was a regular at the Toccolana Club where he was a long-time member. But, his most precious time was spent with his granddaughter (his pride and joy) Katie Jo, playing games, teaching her to draw and just having fun. Ree is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Stephen and Jeannette LoRusso, Rome, three grandchildren, Kristopher, Annette and Katherine Josephine (Katie Jo), a sister and brother-in-law Isabelle and Peter Corigliano, sisters-in-law and brothers-in law- Hilda LoRusso, Maryjane and Mike Benedetto, Lucille and Pat Bevelaqua, Theresa and John Spinelli, Pep Grasso, and Eunice Puccio and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends and his canine companions Chloe and Zoey. Ree was predeceased by his wife, Kay, his parents, mother-in-law and father-in-law, John and Josephine Destito Puccio, his sister, Mary Jackson, brothers Ralph, Frank, Matthew, Anthony and Angelo LoRusso, in-laws; Betty and Caroline LoRusso, Ed Jackson, Joe Puccio, Syl and Margaret Puccio, Concepta and Dom Guido, and Carmella Grasso A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, January 20, 2018, at 11:00 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Church, with the Rev. Paul F. Angelicchio officiating, where relatives and friends are invited to attend. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions in Rinaldo's memory may be made to Rome Art and Community Center, 308 W. Bloomfield St., Rome, NY 13440. Arrangements are by the Nicholas J. Bush Funeral Home, Inc., 7751 Merrick Rd. To offer online condolences, please visit www.njbushfuneralhome.,com