Obituary of Rev. Dr. Allen A. Ruscito
Rev. Dr. Allen Anthony Ruscito, of Point Pleasant, entered his heavenly home to be with his Lord and Saviour on Wednesday, April 7, 2021, after a lengthy illness. He was born on December 28, 1934 in Newark to the late Rose and Alessandro Ruscito. He was an only child and resided with his parents in Irvington until high school graduation. Thereafter he entered Bloomfield College and received a B.A. in History. During that time, he felt led to enter the ministry and enrolled in Princeton Theological Seminary, completing graduate studies majoring in New Testament, earning his M.Div. and M. Th.
In 1960, Rev. Ruscito was called to serve the First Presbyterian Church in Dunellen, first as Assistant Pastor then as Associate and Minister of Christian Education. The church flourished during his tenure and many young people received Christ and entered some form of ministry under his leadership and example. He also assumed many leadership roles in the Elizabeth Presbytery. During this time, he also managed to study at Rutgers University, receiving his M.A. in Education. During the 1980’s there became a need at the church to minister to the Hispanic population in the surrounding area. He rose to the occasion diligently studying and learning Spanish with a private tutor enabling him to preach, teach, translate, and help those in need. This brought about the establishment of a Hispanic Mission which continues full-time to this day.
After retirement in 1997, Rev. Ruscito began another Hispanic Ministry under the auspices of Harvey Memorial United Methodist Church in Point Pleasant, where he and his family attended. He also headed up the Christian Education Program, teaching leaders, Sunday School, Bible Study classes, and telling many stories of his youth. Also occupying his time in retirement was a part-time position at Ocean County College teaching philosophy as an adjunct professor. As if he didn’t have enough to do, Rev. Ruscito finally had the time to complete his work for a Doctorate in Practical Theology from Master’s International School of Divinity in 2002.
Among some of the organizations he belonged to were the Order of Saint Luke; Monmouth Presbytery (honorably retired); Rotary International; S.O.L.E.I.F; and was an associate member of Harvey Memorial United Methodist Church. He was the recipient of numerous community awards of service, as well as a Vigilant Patriot Award for writing articles on freedom and was awarded the Paul Harris Fellow from the Point Pleasant Beach Rotary.
Rev. Ruscito was predeceased by his beloved daughter, Marguerite in 2019 and is survived by his loving wife, Hanna, whom he married in 1964; his devoted son, Mark; his cherished granddaughter, Alexandra E. Swaris and her father, Christopher M. Swaris; and many cousins, nearby and far away.
Visitation will be from 4 – 7 p.m., Wednesday, April 14 at the Pable Evertz Funeral Home of Point Pleasant, 901 Beaver Dam Road. At 11 a.m., Thursday, April 15 a funeral service will be held at Harvey Memorial United Methodist Church, 1120 Arnold Avenue, Point Pleasant, followed by interment at Greenwood Cemetery, Brielle. (Facial coverings are required and adherence to social distancing will be in effect. Due to attendance limitations, those attending the visitation are kindly asked to greet the family and then exit the building.)
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Saint Gregory’s Pantry www.stgregoryspantry.org or Harvey Memorial United Methodist Church www.harveyumc.org
For condolences to the family please visit www.pableevertzfuneralhome.com
WELL DONE, THOU GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT