Ron "Papa" Prusko

Ron “Papa” Prusko, 83, of Schenectady, NY, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 3, 2018 at Bridges Cornell Heights in Ithaca, New York, surrounded by his family.  

A life-long (and third generation!) resident of Schenectady, he was born on September 21, 1934 the son of Michael and Marie Prusko.  Ron graduated from Nott Terrace High School in 1952 and then attended Union College where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in economics in 1956.  He went on to earn a master’s degree in social work from Fordham University.  He started his career as a social worker at the Schenectady County Welfare Department before taking a job at the Lasalle School, a Christian Brothers school for boys, where he worked until his retirement in 1989.  

Ron married Alice Lowenthal Prusko (deceased) in 1965 and they had two children, Jim and Patrice.

In 1983, Ron married Doris Roskin.  The two were inseparable and they lived an adventurous life—traveling the world, attending concerts and performances at SPAC and the racetrack in the summer and wintering in California.  

Ron accomplished a lot in his life but his greatest success is undoubtedly the wisdom, patience and kindness he bestowed upon friends, family and strangers alike.  Even in his final days, Ron’s hallmark optimism and positivity endured and his many wonderful doctors, nurses and caregivers fondly remember Ron as their “favorite patient.”  By anyone’s account, Ron was a beautiful person.  He saw the goodness in people and his laugh and smile were infectious.  He was also a man of simple pleasures.  The “grill master” loved the taste of a char-grilled burger on the Fourth of July more than any filet mignon one could find in the finest restaurant.  He loved boat rides on the Great Sacandaga Lake more than the prospect of any luxury cruise.  He loved watching sports, especially the Yankees.  He loved to bowl and he was an avid golfer.  But, most of all, Ron loved his family.  He was happiest when he was with them, and Ron’s gift of pure and sincere love will forever remain in the hearts of his children, grandchildren, cousins and generations to come.  

Ron is predeceased by his parents, Michael and Marie Prusko and his wife Alice Lowenthal Prusko.  He is survived by his wife Doris Roskin, children Jim (Jean) Prusko and Patrice Torcivia.  He is also survived by his grandchildren: Nicholas, Anjelica and Rosalina Torcivia and Ellie, Anna, Seth and Jane Prusko as well as cousins Nicole (Matt), Grace and Molly Jones.

The family would also like to extend sincere thanks and gratitude to the staff at Bridges and also to Shelly Griffin and Stacey Lloyd who provided Ron with exceptional love and care and for whom we are all grateful.   

Calling hours will be held on Sunday February 11th from 3pm to 5pm at Delegge Funeral Home, 1346 Chrisler Ave., Schenectady. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, February 12, at 11:00 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Church 806 Union St., Schenectady.  In appreciation and remembrance of Ron’s legacy, the family asks for donations to Hospicare. Arrangements by Kazyaka Funeral Home.