Steve Peter Ruszkai

Falmouth, ME – Steve Peter Ruszkai Sr., 88, formally of Coldwater, MI, passed away on Feb. 23, 2026, with his family by his side. Steve was born in Fairport Harbor, OH, on August 17, 1937, son of the late Peter and Clara (Girhiny) Ruszkai.

Steve was born and raised in Ohio, graduating from Fairport High School in 1955 at the top of his class- earning a scholarship in Chemistry at Ohio State University. He chose to enlist in the Army in 1959 and served until 1961. Upon his return, he completed his education at Kent State University in Ohio in 1966 with a Bachelor of Business Administration.

He met his future wife, Janet in 1966, they married in Painesville, OH at the United Methodist Church in 1967 and moved to Nashville, TN together to begin Steve’s career as a Chemical Engineer with Dupont. They had their son in 1970 and moved back to Ohio in 1974 where Steve began his lifelong career as an Automotive Engineer for various companies. He retired in 2002 from Douglas Auto Tech in Michigan.

Steve was a quite reflective man that enjoyed fishing and reading. He enjoyed cars and tinkering with them; he also collected guns. A lifelong member of the Masons, when he was younger, he also participated in the Elks and Eagles Lodges.

Steve was predeceased by his wife of 57 years, Janet (Hawkins) Ruszkai; sister, Pearl Underwood, and uncle, Steve Girhiny. He is survived by his son, Steve Jr.; granddaughters, Maggie and Grace Ruszkai; and nephews, Kenny and David Underwood.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the care team at Sedgewood Commons, especially Scott, Sasha, and Aiko.

Services will be held at a later date; please check back here for updated service information.