Stefan Bohdan Rusynko

Born on December 16, 1946, in Schwabach, Germany, to Peter and Maria Sotocka Rusynko, Stefan maintained a deep pride in his Ukrainian heritage throughout his life. He remained closely connected to the Ukrainian community, particularly among family and fellow Ukrainians in northern New Jersey. Of all his accomplishments and adventures, nothing brought Stefan more pride or joy than being Tanya's dad and Sophia's granddad.

Stefan came to the United States as an infant and grew up in Yonkers, New York, where his youthful antics earned him the nickname "Butch." He served as an altar boy at St. Michael's Ukrainian Catholic Church and graduated from Yonkers High School. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Lafayette College, where he participated in U.S. Army ROTC.

Following graduation, Stefan's service to the U.S. Army took him to Fort Belvoir, Virginia, where he married Barbara Ruffing, and then on to Heidelberg, Germany, where they welcomed their daughter, Tanya. Stefan reached the rank of Captain while serving in the Army and earned the Army Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service in Europe. After his military service, he began his civilian career at Ford Motor Company in Dearborn, Michigan, and later built a successful career with Knorr Brake Corporation, working in both Munich, Germany, and Rockville, Maryland. His work took him around the world and reflected a lifelong interest in engineering, innovation, and problem-solving.

Stefan spent most of his adult life in Maryland, residing in Monrovia and Gaithersburg. A lifelong learner with a passion for technology, he became a proud Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP) and later turned his interest in computing into a part-time business designing and programming websites.

He found joy in skiing, especially in the Colorado Rockies, exploring the beauty of the Pacific Northwest, playing chess, listening to the music of Christopher Cross, spending summers in Ocean City, Maryland, and driving sports cars. In his later years, he enjoyed the companionship of a close-knit group of friends who gathered regularly for weekly happy hours in Gaithersburg.

Stefan is survived by his daughter, Tanya Bosco, her husband Greg and his granddaughter, Sophia of Naples, FL; his older brother, Roman Rusynko and wife Barbara of Lititz, PA; his younger brother, Orest Rusynko and wife Irene of Totowa, NJ; his niece, Tatiana and husband Russ of Waldwick, NJ; his niece, Oksana D'Andrea and her husband Tom and his great-nephew, Leo D'Andrea of East Hanover, NJ; and Barbara Hunt, mother of his daughter, Tanya. He was predeceased by his parents, Peter and Maria Rusynko.

Stefan lived life on his own terms, finding joy in family, friendship, travel, technology, and the pursuits that sparked his curiosity. While he kept a small circle, those within it knew his loyalty, intelligence, wit, and caring nature. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends, who will carry forward the stories, experiences, and memories they shared with him.

Services to celebrate Stefan's life will be announced at a later date. Family and friends will be notified when arrangements have been finalized.

May his memory be eternal.

Vichnaya Pamiat