Richard 'Dick' Ruschak

December 22, 1945 — November 21, 2025

Richard Ruschak, 79, of Auburn, NY - devoted husband, father, and grandfather - entered into eternal life on Friday, November 21, 2025 at Strong Memorial Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. Dick was born on December 22, 1945, to parents Timothy Ruschak and Billie (Dziurzynski) Ruschak, the middle of 3 children.

A graduate of Mount Caramel Catholic High School in Auburn, NY, Dick excelled both academically and athletically. After high school, he went to Brockport College where he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Education. He then worked as a Math teacher at Waterloo High School where he met the love of his life, Pamela Gerrard. On December 17, 1977, Dick and Pamela were married at St. Patrick's Church in Seneca Falls, NY. Together they started a family, raised 2 daughters, and welcomed 3 grandchildren during their 47 years of marriage. Family was everything to Dick and he was deeply proud of his children and grandchildren.

Despite the busy schedules - balancing work, family, and coaching while his children were young, Dick never missed the opportunity to support his kids on the sidelines, in the bleachers or in the classroom. After Dick retired from teaching, he made it his job to attend every West Point Women's Basketball and Mercyhurst Women's Lacrosse game to watch his girls play. He also started DR Sports Company which held basketball tournaments for girls' Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) basketball teams.

Dick was a loyal and dependable friend, always helping those who needed it. He had an amazing ability to make others laugh when they most needed it. He enjoyed watching sports, playing cards and games, telling bad dad jokes and spending time with family. He was an avid fan of the Syracuse Orangemen and the Buffalo Bills.

Dick adored his family and will be greatly missed by his loving wife of 47 years, Pamela C. (Gerrard) Ruschak; daughters Krista (Mike) Long and Kerri (Wes) Swander, along with 3 grandchildren, Christine, Abby and Timothy; his sister Mary Jane Traver, and his sister-in-law Pat Ruschak.

In addition to his parents, Dick was preceded in death by his brother, Joseph Ruschak.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 11:00 am at Notre Dame Retreat House, 5151 Foster Rd, Canandaigua, NY 14424. Father Michael Costik will be the celebrant. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Notre Dame Retreat House,5151 Foster Rd, Canandaigua, NY 14424 (https://bit.ly/4ocPR12RichardRuschak).

To share a memory or express condolences online, please visit www.fullerfh.com