Bob Rusbosin never let the desire to build a successful furniture business get in the way of living out his Christian faith.
Instead, he looked to his faith as a guide for the way he conducted his business and personal life.
"A woman told me that when she was 8 years old, her family had a fire that destroyed all their possessions," said Linda James, Rusbosin's daughter. "Her parents had borrowed money to replace their furniture, but when they were in the store and the salesman was adding up the bill, there wasn't enough to pay for all they needed.
"So, my dad just told them not to worry about it and covered the difference. The woman was in tears and said that act of kindness from my father was something she never would forget," James said.
John Robert Rusbosin of Latrobe died Monday, Nov. 10, 2008, at St. Anne Home in Greensburg. He was 86.
Mr. Rusbosin was a Navy pilot during World War II and used the GI Bill to earn a business degree from Duquesne University. For many years, he commuted from Pittsburgh to Latrobe to manage Diamond Furniture. In 1963, he moved his wife and eight children to Latrobe and opened Rusbosin Furniture & Flooring.
He was an active member in the Christian Family Movement with his wife of 51 years, the former Corinne Rankin of Mt. Lebanon. The couple was asked to establish the program, a national network of parish groups that promote Christ-centered marriage and family life, in the Greensburg Diocese. They were active in a program that prepares couples for marriage, and served on committees and organizations at St. Cecilia Roman Catholic Church in Unity. Mrs. Rusbosin died in 2002.
"My dad put in a lot of hours at the business, and he and my mother were very busy raising a large family," James said. "When I think about how much they had to do, it amazes me that they were able to find the time to be so involved in church and other activities. Their lives really have been an inspiration to all of us."
Mr. Rusbosin and his wife opened their home to people who needed a place to stay, including business associates, foreign-exchange students attending St. Vincent College, and priests and religious sisters.
"We had many students with us over the years, but the last one who lived with us stayed and became our adopted brother," James said. "A priest called and asked my dad if Manuel could spend the summer with us because he didn't speak much English, and figured being around all us kids would help him learn.
"Because of the cost, Manuel couldn't easily travel back to Panama for the holidays, so he eventually stayed on and after graduating continued to live in Latrobe. Out of respect to his family in Panama, we say he's adopted, but my father thought of him as a son and we feel he is truly our brother."
In addition to his wife, Mr. Rusbosin was preceded in death by two brothers and a sister.
He is survived by a sister, Rita Haug of Erie; six daughters: Susan McCormick of Beaver, Nancy Kelly of Greensburg, Linda James and Janet Barker, both of Latrobe, Carol Tricase of Santa Barbara, Calif., and Renee Stallings of Latrobe; six sons: John Rusbosin of Greensburg, Robert Rusbosin of Hamilton, Ohio, William Rusbosin of Los Angeles, Ed Rusbosin and Manuel Navarro, both of Latrobe, and Daniel Rusbosin of Ligonier; 17 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; and a number of nieces and nephews.
Friends will be received from 4 to 9 p.m. today at Frederick Funeral Home, 1543 Ligonier St., Latrobe. American Legion Post 515 and VFW Post 3414 will conduct a military honor service at 9:30 a.m. Friday at the funeral home. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Friday in St. Cecilia Roman Catholic Church. Interment will follow in St. Rose Cemetery.
