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Jerome Richard “Jerry” Ruzbacki passed away peacefully Monday, October 16, 2023 surrounded by family. He was 85. Jerry was born on January 27, 1938 in East Vandergrift, PA to William R. Ruzbacki and Stella A. (Kaszubski) Ruzbacki. The grandson of Polish immigrants, he was proud of his heritage and his Catholic faith. As a young man, he played accordion with the Pittsburgh All-University Tamburitzans. He played for many years in various polka bands at weddings and other events. Though arthritis slowed his fingers with age, he never lost his love for making music. Listening to him play brought great joy to his family and friends. Jerry graduated from Vandergrift High School in 1955 and entered Alliance College, where he studied Engineering. He also studied at West Virginia University and the University of Pittsburgh before beginning his career as a Computer for NUMEC. After over 40 years in the information technology field, he retired from General Electric in 2001 and settled in Surfside Beach, SC. In 1958, Jerry married his high school sweetheart, Loretta Losasso, at the All Saints Catholic Church in East Vandergrift. They celebrated their 65th Anniversary on June 7, 2023. Together they raised a large and beautiful family. Jerry was a devoted husband, dad, and PapPap whose highest priority was spending quality time with his family. He attended countless sporting events, plays, concerts, recitals, and parties. He never missed a wedding or graduation. He loved to make a surprise visit. His wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren will cherish these memories always and miss him dearly every day. In addition to his bride, Jerry is survived by their four children: Marilyn Ashwell (Todd) of Marietta, GA; Timothy Ruzbacki of Surfside Beach, SC; Linda Angelo (James) of Lower Burrell, PA; and Karen Porter (John) of Lewisville, TX. He also leaves behind 10 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and younger brother, Timothy J. Ruzbacki. If you would like to make a memorial donation in Jerry's name, the family suggests donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at stjude.org/donate or The Wounded Warrior Project at support.woundedwarriorproject.org. Memorial Mass will be held 1:00 PM, December 1, 2023 at St, Michael Catholic Church in Murrells Inlet, SC.

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Jerome Richard "Jerry" Ruzbacki

January 27, 1938 - October 16, 2023