Ralph James Ruscello

Ralph J. “Fluff” Ruscello of Washington passed away April 5, 2018, following a brief illness. Mr. Ruscello was a resident of Presbyterian Senior Care and resided in Washington his entire life.  He was a kind and generous man to his family and all who knew him. He was born November 14, 1922, a son of James V. and Amelia Fragasso Ruscello. Ralph was a member of the Immaculate Conception Church. Mr. Ruscello was employed by the RCA Corporation and during his employment was instrumental in establishing the RCA Federal Credit Union.  Following his retirement, he was employed by Washington Parking Authority.  He was a member of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Sons of Italy and the Independent Club. Mr. Ruscello was a veteran of World War II and continued his military career in the Pennsylvania National Guard. During World War II he was an enlisted man with the 94th Infantry Division in the European Theatre.  He served in five campaigns for which he received the Bronze Star, The Distinguished Service Medal, European Theatre of Operations Medal, World War II Victory Medal, and the Combat Infantry Badge. Following the war, Ralph joined the Pennsylvania National Guard and received a direct commission as a second lieutenant and was assigned to Headquarters Company, 110th Infantry Regiment.  He was recalled to active duty for the Korean conflict and served in Germany.  In 1953, he returned to duty with the Guard and was promoted to the rank of Captain, serving three years as company commander.  He then joined the regimental staff serving as communications officer and supply officer.  He later was assigned to the Adjutant General’s staff and served in a number of different positions.  He was promoted to lieutenant colonel in 1969 and full colonel in 1975.  On October 22, 1979, he retired from service and was promoted to brigadier general.  His military career spanned a total of 33 years. On March 12, 1943, he married Elizabeth K. Mrkvar, who passed away on December 10, 1997. Surviving are a son, Dennis (Edith) of Morgantown, WV; three grandchildren, Scott, Craig, and Mark Ruscello; three great grandchildren, Angelina, Ava, and Claire; a sister, Evelyn Beckinger; and a number of nieces and nephews. Deceased are three sisters, Josephine Greco, Margaret Littleton, and Ann Ruggerio, and four brothers, Ernest, James, John, and Louis Ruscello. Friends will be received on Sunday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., in William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m., Monday, April 9th, in Immaculate Conception Church.  Burial will follow in Washington Cemetery.  Military rites will be accorded graveside by American Legion Edwin Scott Linton Post 175.