By God’s divine hand, Rick was called home to be with the Lord after 76 years on this side of Heaven on May 18, 2026.
He was born in Boston, Massachusetts, on March 16, 1950, to the late Victor and Connie Ruscak. The family resided in Waltham, Massachusetts, where he attended elementary, middle, and high school. Following graduation, Rick told his father he wanted to attend college out west, as he hoped to see a real-life cowboy. After a brief stay at the University of New Mexico, he returned to Massachusetts to complete his degree in Criminal Justice at Northeastern University. He later attended American University and received his graduate degree in Public Administration.
Rick’s first job was with the Lexington Police Department in Massachusetts, where he “walked the beat”, directed traffic, and was the dog catcher. As exciting as these responsibilities were, Rick decided that his skills and talents would be best utilized in a large metropolitan city. Therefore, he sent applications to cities such as New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C.
As God would order his steps, he was hired by the City of Alexandria’s police department and worked from 1973 to 1978. He later applied for the position of Undersheriff, also for the City of Alexandria, and was hired on April 15, 1978. Rick performed his duties for 29 years with professionalism, respect, and honor. He absolutely loved his job. He was a great manager of people, an excellent writer, and a great motivating speaker. He retired on September 28, 2007. Rick was a member of the Alexandria Retired Police, Fire, & Sheriff Association.
He valued people and was an encourager; it was his nature to find the good in folks and, if possible, help them strive for their highest potential.
Rick came to know the Lord in a personal way after being witnessed to by his then girlfriend, Trish. Rick realized he did not know enough about the God of the bible, so he attended Regent University to better understand God through the scriptures. He was baptized as an infant in the Catholic Church, but later decided he wanted to make a conscious decision to be a follower of Christ and was re-baptized. He joined the Oakland Baptist Church in Alexandria under the leadership of Pastor Tyrone Queen and served as Deacon and co-chair of the Couples Ministry. Rick also served in the Gideons’ Ministry and distributed many Bibles in local hotels, at community fairs, and on the campus of William and Mary. He also taught bible study in the Newport News jail. Not only was Rick a man of God, but one of great character, charm, and generosity. He strongly believed in the words of Jesus, “ Do unto others as you would have them do unto you,” and he earnestly lived by these words.
Rick and Trish were married by Rick’s pastor after a two-year courtship. The family instantly blended with Sterling (Trish’s son) and Shabba (Trish’s dog), who lived with Rick prior to the marriage. (Dog only). Although Rick did not have biological children of his own, you would never know that the one son, one dog, six grandkids, and three great grandkids were not produced by him, because his love for them extended far beyond bloodlines. He dearly loved his family and was a superb provider.
Rick loved traveling, playing and watching tennis, eating gourmet foods, being near the water, and enjoying the family.
He was preceded in death by his brother Bryan. Rick leaves to carry on his legacy his devoted wife of twenty-nine years, Trish; son Sterling; nephew Bryan; niece Lindsey; grandkids, DeMarco, Treasure, Cherish, Sterling Jr., Malachi, Micah, Malia, Dior, and Tobias; distant relatives; and a host of dear friends to cherish his loving memory.
A Memorial Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, June 14, 2026, at Williamsburg Community Chapel.
