Richard Mahnken Rusch, 89, passed away on May 10, 2026.   He was born on November 19, 1936 in Glen Cove Hospital. He was the third of four boys to be raised in Hicksville NY, by William and Dorothea Rusch.

  Richard attended public school in Hicksville, NY.  He graduated from The Darrow School in New Lebanon, NY where he was a standout student and athlete. He attended Cornell University where he played both football and lacrosse and was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity.  Following his service in the United States Navy as a technology specialist and “Frogman,” he graduated from Hofstra University. He married his true love, Nancy Stablein of Rockville Centre, on December 30, 1961. Together they raised four children and were married for 60+ years until Nancy’s death in 2022.

  Throughout his career, “Rick” worked in sales within multiple industries and finally retired from Jamaica Bearings, Inc at the age of 76. Although he was passionate about his work, family was always first. His love for swimming and the water was inherited by his children and the family spent many years swimming at the Huntington YMCA.  After retirement, he became certified to be a high school swim official.   He enjoyed his time on the public golf links on Long Island and volunteered his time as an MGA golf official. Sunday Mass was a weekly ritual at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs in Centerport. Having spent most of his life on Long Island and an avid sun worshipper, trips to the beach were solitude. However, not much could exceed the enjoyment value he put on his 4pm cocktail shared with his best friend and wife, Nancy. 

  A simple man who loved to tinker, he was old school and set in his ways. He was a lover of jazz and voracious reader. His depth of knowledge was sharp and vast. He was known as “Grandpa” to many, not only his family.  He was incredibly proud of his children and grandchildren. They are all a true reflection of him. We now hope he will reunite with Nancy and reflect on a job well done. God bless.

  Loving husband of Nancy. Beloved father of Christine Germain and her husband Brian of Lakeland, FL, Kevin and his wife Dina of New Canaan, CT, Marilyn Maggio and her husband Jimmy of Huntington, NY and Billy and his wife Kristine of Ridgewood, NJ. Beloved grandfather of Katie and Kelly Germain, Tory (Josh) Hassell, Maddie (Erik) Hanson, Ali and Olivia Rusch, Emily (David) Belisle, Caroline, Amelia and Charlotte Maggio, Matthew, Grace and Caroline Rusch. Beloved Great Grandfather of Arthur Hassell.

  A private family gathering will take place on a future date to celebrate Richard’s life.