Howard A. Rusk Jr.

Howard A. Rusk Jr. passed away on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, at the age of 91. A devoted son, husband, father, and grandfather, Howard lived a life grounded in integrity, curiosity, and a generous spirit that touched people from every walk of life. Though he carried a renowned family legacy, he will be remembered first and foremost for the warmth, humor, and humanity he brought to all who knew him.

Born on July 17, 1934, in St. Louis, Missouri, Howard grew up in a home shaped by service and compassion. His parents, Dr. Howard A. Rusk and Gladys Rusk, modeled a belief in dignity, responsibility, and care for others—values that became the steady foundation of his own life. His father’s pioneering work in modern rehabilitation medicine, along with his mother’s career in social work and volunteer leadership, provided not just an example of professional accomplishment but a daily lesson in purpose. These lessons would guide Howard throughout his life.

Raised in Scarsdale, NY, Howard attended Harvard University, where he nurtured a lifelong love of Asian art and formed enduring friendships. Attending the annual Harvard–Yale football game with his circle of high school and college friends remained one of his favorite traditions for decades.

Howard met the love of his life, Elizabeth “Betsy” Seiler Rusk, while at Harvard. They married, returned to Scarsdale, and built a home filled with warmth, music, humor, and lively conversation. Together they raised their four children—Laura, Heather, Cynthia, and Christopher—and later celebrated the blessings of five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Howard was immensely proud of each of them, finding his greatest joy in watching his family grow across generations.

Those who knew Howard remember a man who combined intellect with wit, and curiosity with kindness. He had a unique ability to make anyone feel welcome, and his love of meeting new people—paired with an easy humor and a generous heart—made him a fixture of warmth in every room he entered. Howard delighted in celebrating any kind of gathering. Hosting friends and family parties numerous times throughout the year. Many described him as “a man for all seasons”: thoughtful, gracious, and always ready with a good story or a shared laugh.

Howard carried his family’s professional legacy forward with dedication. As President of the World Rehabilitation Fund, the international organization founded by his father, he championed rehabilitation initiatives around the world. His leadership strengthened the training of rehabilitation professionals, expanded global collaborations, and advanced the belief that every individual deserves the opportunity to live with independence and dignity. His stewardship helped extend modern rehabilitation across continents, ensuring that the values he inherited took root in new places and new generations.

Howard’s passing marks the continuation—not the end—of an extraordinary family story. His life bridged the pioneering work of his parents with the future carried forward by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. The compassion, steadiness, and service that defined him remain alive in those who follow.

Howard is predeceased by his beloved wife, Betsy, and survived by their four children—

Laura (Emanuel Lazopoulos), Heather (Peter LaCrosse), Cynthia (P. Roy Perciasepe), and Christopher (Marion Troise)—along with five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

A memorial service and celebration of his life will be at a later date, announced by the family.