David G. Rusinko

David Gregory Rusinko, 70 of Mt. Pleasant Township, passed away on Monday, April 27th, 2026. Born on Oct. 5th, 1955 in Mt. Pleasant, he was the youngest son of George and Agnes Novak Rusinko. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers George Stephen Rusinko and Michael Joseph Rusinko,Sr. 

He was self employed for 39 years, operating the Rusinko Nursery which started business in 1955. In his mid sixties and no longer able to perform the heavy lifting required by landscaping, he continued to trim and prune trees for many of his life long clients. After the physical challenges of nursery work became too demanding, he applied for a position at Walmart where he was employed until his passing.

Dave was a graduate of Mt. Pleasant Area High School where he lettered his sophomore, junior and senior years on the Wrestling Team. After graduating, he began working out and training in an attempt to become a professional boxer. This led to competition as an amateur in the Golden Gloves sports events. He placed in the competition and traveled to South Africa where he became a heavyweight sparring partner to potential World Champion contenders.

 After returning to the USA, he developed a bit of wanderlust, and started traveling around the USA and to other countries, among them France and England. While in London, he even crossed paths with the former Queen of England, Elizabeth II and her protection entourage near Number 10 Downing Street.

Dave aged out of boxing and the physical demands of the nursery business, but he never truly retired as evidenced by his Walmart employment, and his interest in his ever expanding baseball card collection, which numbered in the tens of thousands.

David is survived by his only sister, Aimee Rusinko Kakos, husband Michael of Winter Park FL; his sister-in-law Shirley Jones Rusinko of Norvelt; his nephew Matthew Rusinko, wife Marisa, great nieces Stella and Hannah of McMurray; his niece Courtney Rusinko, fiancé Matthew Laposky of Greensburg; His niece Lisa Rusinko Dunkley, husband Justin, great nephews Garrett and Michael of Morgantown WV; and his nephew Michael Joseph Rusinko, Jr. of Norvelt.

Family and friends will be received from 3-6 pm, Parastas 5:30 pm, on Mon., May 18, 2026 at Hoffer Wilt Funeral Home, 2245 Mt. Pleasant Rd., Norvelt, PA 15674. Panachida 10:15 am in the funeral home followed by the Funeral Divine Liturgy at 11 am Tues., May 19, 2026 at St. Mary Holy Protection Byzantine Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the church at 4480 Route 981, Latrobe, PA 15650.