Obituaries

Mr. Thomas Leo Ruziska, 89, of Bridgeport passed away on June 19, 2024, at his home with loved ones by his side. Tom was born April 7, 1935, the son of the late Mr. Norbert Ruziska and Mrs. Elizabeth Kathleen (Judino) Ruziska Fogle. Tom was preceded in death by his beloved wife Jill Elaine (Borror) Ruziska in May of 2022.

Tom and Jill were married on June 6, 1964 and enjoyed many happy years together living in various parts of the country before returning to Nutter Fort to raise their family. They enjoyed traveling during their retirement including a trip to Europe and trips to West Virginia University football games. Tom and Jill were snowbirds and spent their winters in Florida for several years. They loved their yearly summer vacations to Kiawah Island, SC with their children and extended family. They enjoyed camping at Audra State Park and boating at Tygart Lake. Born in Morgantown,WV, Tom loved the state of West Virginia and the WVU Mountaineers. He enjoyed attending most WVU football and basketball games.

Tom is survived by his three children Thomas Andrew Ruziska of Wellington, Florida, Julie Caril Ruziska Tiddy and husband Brian of Charlotte, NC, and Emily Elaine Ruziska McFalls and husband Eddie of Fuquay Varina, NC; and grandchildren, Barbara and Rose Ruziska, Elizabeth Tiddy Halmrast and husband Nick, Alexandra and Catherine Tiddy and Samuel, Thomas, and Isabelle McFalls. Tom will be missed by his favorite honorary son, Paul Viglianco.

Tom was a 1953 graduate of Roosevelt Wilson High School and 1961 graduate of West Virginia University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. Tom was enlisted in the Army after high school and served during the Korean Conflict. He attended the Southeastern Signal School and completed coursework to become a Cryptographer. Tom received an Honorable Discharge from the Army in January of 1963.

Mr. Ruziska began his career working at Pittsburgh Plate Glass Company and later at United Tile and Carpet. Tom spent the majority of his career as a Comptroller with the West Virginia Department of Highways. He was well loved by his co-workers and was proud of his role serving the state of West Virginia. Tom enjoyed playing golf and using his skills as a cryptographer to complete several crossword puzzles every week. He always completed the puzzles in pen and rarely made mistakes. Tom enjoyed watching game shows in his later years and could always solve the puzzle or give the top answer before anyone else had a chance. He was a critical thinker and loved to find solutions to everyday problems.

Tom loved his family and his community. He served on the Nutter Fort Town Council and as a member of the Nutter Fort Water Board. He felt a duty to make our world a better place for all people. Although he was often in the background, he was a constant support for his family and especially Jill during many community pursuits. Tom sent money and cards anonymously to many students from Nutter Fort during their college years. He didn’t want recognition, he just wanted to help others. Tom was a constant fixture at his grandchildren’s activities and school events. He and Jill rarely missed an important family event and traveled often to Maryland, North Carolina, and Florida to celebrate their achievements. Tom loved being a Papa and always put his family first. He and Jill had a loving marriage and shared that love with their children and grandchildren.

The family would like to thank Dr. Kelly Nelson, Dr. Ebrahim Sabbagh, Dr. Mohamed Sabbagh, Dr. Jonathan Stanley, and Dr. Grant Franklin and their staff for their support and care for Tom. The family is also thankful for Amedisys Hospice and their compassionate guidance. Tom had several dedicated caregivers, and the family appreciates their kindness. A special thank you to Anna Dodd, Billie Cain, Carrie Scaturro, Tracy Brown, Donna Moody, Donna Stringer, Sandy Mauro, and Holly Proctor for their loving care of Tom.

Tom was a man of Catholic faith who lived his life with integrity and care for others. He later attended Vincent Memorial Methodist Church with Jill and his family. Tom lived life with a positive attitude and smile on his face. His love for life will forever bless those who knew him.

A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held Saturday, July 13, 2024 at the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. where a Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 12:00 p.m. with Father Kumar Reddimasu presiding. Interment will follow at the Floral Hills Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Amedisys Hospice, 67 Casino Dr Suite 102, Anmoore, WV 26323
Expressions of sympathy may be extended to the family at www.amoscarvelli.com A service of Amos Carvelli Funeral Home