Joseph S. Ruzina

James W. Shirley Funeral Home

Obituaries | The Tube City Almanac | June 25, 2016

Joseph S. Ruzina, 91, formerly of North Huntingdon, passed away Thursday, June 16, 2016 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He was born March 16, 1925 in Yukon, PA, a son of the late George and Mary (Oravec) Ruzina. 

Prior to his retirement, Joe was a manager for General Motors Fisher Body Works in West Mifflin with over 30 years of service. Prior to moving to Colorado, he was an avid golfer and member of St. Agnes Parish, North Huntingdon, the Emerald Club, and St. Agnes Men's Club. Joe served as a Technical Sergeant (Infantry) in Europe during World War II in the Army’s 26th Division, Company “I”, 328th Rifle Combat Team. He received a Purple Heart for injuries sustained during combat operations in France in December, 1944. He also received two Bronze Stars for Valor – one in Langendiebach, Germany (March 1945) and one in Nitteneau, Germany (April 1945). His heroic efforts were also recognized through a commendation from the Grand Duchess of Luxembourg. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Erma (Frasca) Ruzina in 1993. He is survived by his daughter, Claudia Ferrante, and her husband, Louis; granddaughters, Daniella and Nicola Ferrante; and sister-in-law, Jean Frasca. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Wednesday, June 29th at 10:30 a.m. at St. Agnes Church, North Huntingdon, PA. Interment in West Newton Cemetery, West Newton, PA. James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Honor Flight of Southern Colorado (http://www.honorflightsoco.org/) in memory of Joe. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.

Originally published June 25, 2016.

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