Obituary of John Rusinko

John Rusinko was a family man, whose family extended to friends, neighbors, colleagues, students, players, acquaintances and community members, all of whom he felt proud to be connected with during his lifetime. John played professional basketball for the American Basketball League; earned a BS from Mansfield University and an MS from Elmira College; and taught at Dr. Nathan Cohen Elementary School and Thomas A. Edison High School (Elmira Heights), where he also coached varsity basketball. In addition to spending time with family and teaching, John looked forward to special times golfing with the crew at the Mark Twain, cheering hockey at the Elmira College Domes, vegetable gardening and daily walks with family and friends. The Rusinko family extends special gratitude to The Homestead at Soldiers & Sailors Hospital (Penn Yan, NY), Bethany Village (Horseheads, NY), Arnot Ogden Memorial Hospital (Elmira), Arnot Medical Services Ivy II Internal Medicine (Elmira) and all medical offices who took extraordinary care of John during his lifetime in Elmira and most recently in Penn Yan. John is predeceased by sisters Anna Costa, Mary Rusinko and Sue Rusinko, and is survived by wife Mary Lyn (Erwin) Rusinko, son Michael (Carol) Rusinko, daughter Lynne Rusinko (Joe Caparulo), sister Helen (Alfred) Schutz, nieces Johanna (Joseph) Asher, Mary Ellen Gutknecht and Susan (Steven) Warner, nephews Wayne (Melanie) Schutz and John Costa, as well as grand-nieces Annie Asher, Anna Gutknecht, Kathleen Warner, Michelle Warner, and grand-nephews Benjamin Asher, Elliot Asher, Alfred Gutknecht and Andrew Gutknecht. Calling Hours: Monday, October 28; 3-6pm at McInerny's Funeral Home (502 W. Water Street, Elmira) Funeral Service followed by Burial: Tuesday, October 29; 12:00 noon at Trinity Episcopal Church (304 N. Main Street, Elmira) Burial: Woodlawn Cemetery, Following Funeral Service Following the Funeral, friends may choose to attend the burial or partake of a light reception at Trinity until the family returns from the interment. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations be made to the Chemung County SPCA, Elmira City Animal Shelter, Food Bank of the Southern Tier, JDRF, National Kidney Foundation or American Cancer Society. Thank you.