Nicholas C. Ruscio, 85, of 377 Elm St passed away peacefully November 21, 2016 at Berkshire Medical Center. Born in Pittsfield on August 18, 1931, he was the son of the late Bruno and Susan Ruscio.
Nick graduated from Pittsfield High School, then served 4 (drunken) years in the U.S. Navy on the USS Coral Sea. He worked in the power transformer division at GE before becoming a registered optician. Nick owned South County Opticians in Great Barrington with his late wife, Josephine McCarthy Ruscio. When Josie passed away in 1988, he ran the business with his daughter Karen, eventually retiring in 2002.
'Sonny' or 'Papa Nick' was an avid bowler, loved his family and had a passion for cars. He restored many old cars, favoring his 1948 Plymouth that won first place at the Rhinebeck, NY antique car show. He is fondly remembered for his gentle temperament and lighthearted humor.
Nick leaves his wife of 26 years, Elsie Bromback Ruscio, her children Cindy Bromback, Brian (Marianne) Bromback both of Pittsfield, and their families. Stepson Kyle Bromback passed away in 2012. He will be greatly missed by his children Donna (Leo) Eliasson of Holbrook, Nancy (Michelle) Sauve-Ruscio of Southampton, and Karen (Julio) Ruscio of Pittsfield; devoted grandchildren Timothy (Jen) Polidore-Janis of Albany NY, Amelia (Eric) Janis-McCormack of Lenox, Julie (Herick) Eliasson-Perez of Dedham, Harrison Janis of Pittsfield and 6 beloved great grandchildren. He was a loving brother to Florence (Lemuel) Lloyd of El Dorado Hills CA, John (Janis) Ruscio of Hagerstown MD and JoAnn Ruscio of Pittsfield. He also leaves many nieces and nephews.
There will be a private graveside service at a future date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the National Parkinson Foundation: www.parkinson.org
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