Robert A. Rusiewski, 73, passed away on May 13, 2026 at his home in St. Mary's Pennsylvania.
Bob was born on November 14, 1952, the son of Michael and Mary Rusiewski. He was raised on a farm near Tamaroa, Illinois and graduated from Tamaroa High School. He received his Associate's Degree from Rend Lake College in 1972, Bachelor's Degree from Southern Illinois University in 1974 and his Masters Degree in Public Administration from University of Notre Dame in 1975. Bob worked for the North Central Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development District as the ARC-EDA Director from 1976 to his retirement in 2020. He attended the Bicentennial in Washington DC in 1976.
Bob, along with his brother Mark, were some of the best known basketball players in the history of Tamaroa High School, leading the team to numerous winning seasons including conference championships. Stories of the exciting games were chronicled in the local newspapers every week during the 1969 and 1970 seasons. He also played basketball at Rend Lake College where he reconnected with all the best players from southern Illinois teams on the Rend Lake team. His parents were always present at his games!
Bob is survived by one sister – Dr. Janice Kooken and her husband Michael of Glastonbury, Connecticut. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Mark Rusiewski and his wife Sharon. He also is survived by three nephews, Kyle Williams and his wife Becky, Luke Kooken and Calvin Kooken and one niece Jennifer Middleton and her husband Blaine.
Bob was an outdoorsman for much of his life enjoying hunting and fishing. He enjoyed snow skiing for many years, traveling throughout the Rocky Mountains and Europe. He was especially known for his handwritten letters — thoughtful, beautifully written correspondence that reflected a personal touch and timeless art form treasured by all who received them.
Bob was also a storyteller, and he entertained many with his humor and charm over coffee or a cold Stag.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 A.M., Saturday, May 23, 2026 at the St. Charles Catholic Church in Du Bois with Fr. Felix Anyikwa officiating.
Friends may call from 5 to 7 P.M., Friday at the Searby Funeral Home in Tamaroa.
Burial will be in the St. Charles Cemetery in Du Bois, IL.
Friends may provide memorials to St. Charles Borromeo Church in Du Bois Illinois.