Russell "Rusty" Raymond Truesdale, age 59, of 65 Sickler Rd, Meshoppen, PA, died Monday afternoon, June 4, 2012 at Tyler Memorial Hospital in Tunkhannock.
Rusty Truesdale was born on January 14, 1953 in Meshoppen to Jacqueline Lott Morgan and the late Archie Richard Truesdale. He was born and raised in Meshoppen and graduated from Tunkhannock Area High School in June of 1970.
After graduating from high school Rusty entered the US Army and proudly served from June 1970 to June 1973 with service in the Vietnam War. He worked as a helicopter repairman during his time in the service.
After the service he drove truck for several local trucking companies, with his most recent job working at Eastern Industries of Clifford, PA.
Rusty was married to Debra Louise Robbins Truesdale from Nicholson, PA. They would have celebrated their 39th wedding anniversary in December of this year.
He was a member of the Rought Hall Post 510 American Legion in Black Walnut, PA, the American Legion Riders Club Post 154 in Montrose, PA, and the VFW in Montrose Post 5642. He was also a member of the Towanda Gun Club and the Monroeton Gun Club.
Rusty enjoyed hunting, fishing, and golfing. He especially enjoyed riding motorcycles with his best friend Bobby Williams of Meshoppen, PA.
Rusty is survived by his wife, Debra; his three children Sherry Stofko of Meshoppen, David Truesdale of Meshoppen, and Stacy Antoniotti and her husband Bob of Scranton, PA; eight grandchildren; his mother Jacqueline Lott Morgan of Falls, PA. He is also survived by his four brothers Gerald Truesdale and his wife Beatrice of Peckville, PA, Richard Truesdale of Falls, Ronald Truesdale and his wife Judy of Meshoppen and Larry Truesdale of Wyalusing, PA as well as several nieces and nephews.
Besides his father, Archie, Rusty was preceded in death by two sisters, Cindy Truesdale and Kathy Truesdale Wuagon, and his nephew Gerald Truesdale.
A Memorial Service will be held at the Rought Hall Post 510 American Legion in Black Walnut, PA on June 16, 2012 at 11:00 AM with Pastor Brian Lucas of the Dalton United Methodist Church officiating. A Military Service will immediately follow at the Jersey Hill Cemetery in Auburn Center, PA with members of the Rought Hall Post 510 American Legion in Black Walnut, PA, the Dennis Strong Post 457 American Legion in Tunkhannock, PA, and the Endless Mountains Post 3583 VFW in Mehoopany, PA conducting the service. Arrangements were made through Sheldon Funeral Homes, Main St., Meshoppen, PA.
In lieu of flowers those wishing to make donations may do so to the Rought Hall Post 510 American Legion, SR 6, Laceyville, PA 18623 or the American Cancer Society.