Ross J. "Rusty" Cirincione Phd

Rusty was born on April 8, 1948 to his beloved parents Charles and Mary (nee Marotta) Cirincione. He is the cherished older brother of Joseph Cirincione and the loving Stepson of JoAnne (nee Parish) Cirincione. His beloved Nana Maria Cirincione helped raise Rusty after the loss of his mother. He grew up in the Hampshire Road area of Cleveland Heights near Coventry. He would often reminisce about the “good times” growing up in the 50’s and 60’s in that tranquil tree-lined neighborhood. Rusty attended Cleveland Heights schools and graduated from Cleveland Heights High School in 1966 as the Valedictorian and a National Merit Scholar. He continued his higher education at Dartmouth College, where he became a member of Phi Beta Kappa, earned his Bachelor’s Degree and graduated with honors in 1970. He earned a Master’s Degree from Harvard University in 1972, and thereafter, a PHD in Applied Mathematics from the University of California at Berkely in 1979.

After achieving his Doctorate, Rusty resided in the Long Beach, Redondo Beach area of California for many years. He enjoyed the mild weather, the beaches, and the Southern California lifestyle. He worked for Hughes Aircraft where he was able to contribute his mathematical skills and knowledge to his profession. Ultimately, he returned to Greater Cleveland to be closer to his family and friends. After his return to the area, Rusty served as an Adjunct Professor at Case Western University and Cuyahoga County Community College. He also began a mathematics tutoring practice serving students throughout Northeast Ohio. He loved his students and he was heavily invested in their success. Rusty had a gift which enabled him to break down complex mathematical questions into concepts which his students could understand, thus allowing them to continue to pursue academic success. In addition to his brother Joseph and Stepmother Jo Anne, Rusty is survived by his cousins Ross Cirincione (wife Debbie), Donna Anderson (Daniel, deceased), Tory Cirincione (wife Linda), Frank Galati, along with a large extended family. Rusty was also predeceased by his late Uncle Joseph and Aunt Josephine Galati, cousin Elaine Bosher (husband Rick), Uncle Anthony and Aunt Taninna Cirincione, Uncle Joseph Marotta, and cousin Sally Cirincione. Rusty loved his large extended family and friends, holiday and family celebrations and Italian cuisine. One of his favorite meals was spaghetti and meatballs. He was a huge Cleveland Browns fan and rarely missed viewing a game. His greatest compliment on his friends and family accomplishments was “You can’t beat that!”, an apt description of his own well-lived life. Rusty was born legally blind with extremely limited vision, but he never let that stop him from pursuing and reaching his goals. He was adventurous and loved to travel to take photographs of the changing fall leaves. He enjoyed trying new restaurants with his family and friends. He liked to try sports like skiing and roller-skating, and made friends wherever he went.

His family and friends cherish his memory and will always remember the love that he brought.The family requests that in lieu of flowers, if you are so inclined, please make a contribution to the Cleveland Society for the Blind. Mass of Christian Burial 10 am Thursday December 18 at St. Francis of Assisi Church. Interment Knollwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends at THE DiCICCO AND SONS FUNERAL HOME 5975 MAYFIELD RD. MAYFIELD HTS. WEDNESDAY 4 TO 7 PM. Online condolences and guest registry www.diciccoandsonsfh.com