Edward Bruce Rusk

EDWARD BRUCE (“ED”) RUSK was born in Brooklyn, NY, on March 3, 1936 and completed his earthly journey on September 24, 2019.
He was the son of Floyd W. Rusk and Mildred Rusk, nee Moore, and moved with them to Chester County, Pennsylvania at an early age. ED enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1954 and served until 1959, and much of the time was served in Japan. It was in Japan that ED was introduced to the gospel of Christ and became a Christian. After separating from the Air Force, ED worked as a driver salesman for Tires, Batteries, and Accessories (TBA) in Chester and Delaware counties of PA. In February, 1966, he was working after a large snow storm near Parkesburg, PA. He was hit in his delivery van by a large truck and was almost killed by the impact. Taken to the Coatesville hospital, ED remained in a coma for three months, and his recovery took many more months. During that time, he could do nothing on his own, and had to learn how to walk, chew, and talk all over again. Afterward, however, he recovered and completed the U.S. Post Office exam and worked for the USPS for 25 years. Those who knew ED well understand that his independence and courage, no doubt honed in adversity, remained with him throughout his life. For decades, ED was a faithful member of the church of Christ meeting in Exton, PA. In ED’s own words he stated, “I guess the most important thing to me is my church family. They go out of their way to help….(and) they are always there…My church family is very important to me.” ED’s example of devotion and determination will be long remembered by all who knew and loved him. ED resided in Hopewell Manor in Elverson, PA, until he could no longer live independently. In the last several months of his life, ED resided at the Pocopson Home near West Chester, PA. He received outstanding care from the Pocopson staff, and those who assisted him observed his good humor, confidence, and exemplary behavior in his transition from earthly life. ED’s faith was the “assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Ed's memorial service on Sunday, October 13, 3pm at the James J. Terry Funeral Home, 736 E. Lancaster Avenue, Downingtown, PA  where family and friends will be received from 2pm-3pm. Interment private, and at a later time.

Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free.
I’m following the path God has laid you see.
I took His hand when I heard Him call.
I turned my back and left it all.
I could not stay another day,
To laugh, to love, to work or play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way.
I found that peace at the close of the day.
If my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joys.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,
Oh yes, these things I too will miss.
Be not burdened with times of sorrow.
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life’s been full, I savored much,
Good friends, good times,
A loved one’s touch.
Perhaps my time seemed all too brief.
Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your hearts and peace to thee.
God wanted me now;
He set me free!

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