CARTHAGE - Wayne Keenan Rusho 77, of Carthage passed away on February 15, 2024, at home surrounded by his loving family following a long and heroic battle of Parkinson's disease over the past several years.

Wayne was born on April 1, 1946 in Adams Center NY son of Wilson A Rusho and Marjorie Reed Rusho-Nichols. He attended Adams High School and graduated from Adams Central School in 1964 now known as South Jefferson Central School District. Following graduation, he joined the US Air Force and trained at Lackland Air Force in San Antonio Texas.  After graduation from the Air Police Tech School he was stationed at Ellsworth Air Force Base, Rapid City South Dakota for one Year. He was then transferred to Earnest Harmon Air Force Stephenville Newfoundland, Canada where he stayed until the base closed in 1966. He was then transferred to Plattsburgh A.B. in Plattsburgh NY. He was honorably discharged on June 25, 1968. He enlisted in the Air National Guard from 1980-1986. From 1970-1972 he attended Morrisville College and graduated with an AAS degree.  Wayne worked at a BOCES School and taught Animal Husbandry at Kent Sussex Company in Somers NY. In 1975 Wayne began working for several police Departments throughout the local area to include Adams, Henderson Harbor boat Patrol, Carthage Police Department, and the New York State Park Police. He continued to work for the state parks in the park and Recreation Department until 2010 retiring as park supervisor in 2010 from Higley Flow State Park, Colton NY. He was a longstanding member of the Carthage Elks Lodge.

Wayne married Julie Adams of Carthage on February 14th, 1983, at The United Community Church. On this day is when he became an official dad (stepfather) to Lorie (Burto) Converse of Watertown, NY.  His son Adam Rusho of Latham NY came along shortly after and made their family of four complete.  Throughout the years Wayne's most treasured time was his family and his grandchildren. He enjoyed traveling with his wife Julie and they made several road trips together over the years throughout the United States. In retirement he loved going to Turning Stone Casino with his wife and friends.  He was lovingly known as papa to his 6 grandchildren and would often find him sitting on bleachers cheering them on.  He hated to miss a game even as his health was deteriorating. He was the family jokester with the best laugh. He loved his daughter-in-law and son in law like they were his own as well as his step grandchildren. There was no one that met Wayne that didn't love him. That was certainly evident in the past week with all the love that was shown to him in his final days.

The family would like to give a special thank you to his niece Julie Jean Faulkner of Ballston spa NY for her love, help and support over the past several months in the care of her uncle. A special thank to Amaya Lynn Goodman for her love and support of helping her papa in his final days. A thank you to all the friends and family who have supported us over the past several months to make his transition to heaven less stressful. We appreciate the love. We would also like to thank the loving care from Hospice, Britanny, Tammy, and Vicky.  Thank you, Dr Collins Kellogg Jr., for his loving special care through all of the years.

Wayne is survived by his wife of 41 years Julie Lou Adams Rusho, his son Adam Wayne Rusho Latham NY, Daughter in law Jessica Lynn Rusho Latham Ny, Daughter Lorie Lynn (Burto) Converse Watertown NY son in law Mark Stephen Converse Watertown. Grandchildren Dominick M Rusho, Vincent J Rusho, Hunter J Goodman, Amaya L Goodman, Jude M Converse, Jack P Converse.  A sister Sharon Hoefler Depew NY, Sister in Law Lynda Adams Faulkner Ballston Spa NY, Sister in law Myra LaClair ( Gerald) Antwerp, Brother in law James Adams ( Elaine) Huron South Dakota, several nieces and nephews and friends that were like family.

He is predeceased by his parents and brother, Wilson (Bud) F. Rusho and sister-in-law, Daryl Rusho.

Arrangements are with Bezanilla McGraw Funeral home in Carthage NY.  Calling hours Sunday Feb 18th, 2024 from 1-3 small service at 3 pm, with a celebration of life to follow at Jose O'Connor's, for family and friends to gather in celebration of his life.

Spring family burial to follow with military honors.

Donations to Michael J. Fox foundation for Parkinson's research or Hospice of Jefferson County.