David Anthony Ruszczyk

David Anthony Ruszczyk, 73, of Olathe, passed away on Wednesday January 17, 2024 at his home.

He was born on February 7, 1950 to Jerome and Audrey (Kraft) Ruszczyk in Buffalo, NY. David was baptized at Corpus Christi Church on March 5th 1950. When David was 4 years old, they moved to South Gate, CA. Jerome and Audrey had two more children, Pam and Deborah. They all lived and raised the children as Roman Catholics. David made his First Holy Communion at St. Helen's Church on May 11, 1958. He attended St. Helens elementary school and was an Alter Boy from 2nd to 6th grade. He received the highest award in mathematics at the age of 10. He also started his first job as a paper boy delivering the Sunday Times that cost $0.25. This allowed him to develop a love for reading and collecting newspapers.

David attended Don Bosco Tech High School in Rosemead, CA until he graduated in 1968. This outstanding young scholar, who was on the Don Bosco's school honor roll, was awarded a college scholarship by the school. He continued his education and in 1970 received an A.A. degree from East Los Angeles College and was president and treasurer of Sigma Delta Chi Fraternity. In 1973 David received a B.A. degree in Mechanical Engineering from California State Poly-technic College in Pomona, CA.

While attending college at Cal Polly Pomona in 1971 he got an internship at Peerless Pump in Montebello CA. David worked as a Lead Test Engineer for Peerless Pump for the next 35 years. In 1996 he transferred to Indianapolis, IN where he worked until 2006. David then started with Pentair in Kansas City, KS. His first project was installing water pumps for the levee in New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina. David worked at Pentair until he retired early in 2016, following a devastating diagnosis of Parkinson's disease several years earlier.

In 1973 David meet Pamela Lester who was working at Peerless Pump in accounting. Pamela used to issue David's expense checks and would always complain when it came to typing out his last name. When David met Pamela he was head over heels and started leaving a single red rose with a newspaper clipping from the cartoon "Love is" in an envelope on her desk and asking her out on a date. After several notes Pamela finally agreed to go out on a lunch date and they dated for the next 14 months. Thanks to David's persistence on September 27, 1975, he married Pamela Ann Lester at ST. Helen's Church. They made their home in Rancho Cucamonga CA, where they had three children, Shannon, Ryan and Gregory. David continued his involvement with the Catholic church as an usher at St. Peter and St. Paul in Alta Loma, CA. In 1987, he was selected to be a part of Pope John Paul II, usher detail when he visited Los Angeles.

David was a member of many non-profit originations. Downey Jaycees from 1974 to 1989, two-term president, secretary and chairman of many projects. Independent order of Foresters from 1981 to 1992 where he also severed as a secretary and was the chairman of several projects. He was also a member of the American Society of Engineering. He also served as a Troop Leader for the Boy Scouts of America, becoming CPR certified and the camp medical officer. David had many hobbies and collections like chess, model trains, camping, hiking, sports, First Aid, newspapers, clipping coupons, movie collections, coins, stamps, shot glasses, Star Trek and James Bond and other pop culture memorabilia.

David was a prominent troubleshooter and problem solver known to be a simple man and could stretch a dollar. He loved black Friday shopping. He also prided himself as being the sole provider for his family. David will be remembered as the first to volunteer whenever someone needed help. He was someone that would think outside the box and would give wise counsel.

Live long and prosper, Dad.

You will be forever in my heart, David.

David is survived by his loving wife, Pamela, his children Shannon, Ryan (Stephanie), Gregory (Caitlyn), grandchild Victoria, sisters Pam and Deborah (Jimmy).

He was preceded in death by his father, Jerome Valentine Ruszczyk, Mother, Audrey (Kraft) Ruszczyk.

Memorial contributions may be given to Parkinson's Research or The American Diabetes Association.

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