Czelusniak funeral home
Born in Greenfield to Armand V. Foote of Norwich, Connecticut, and Marion R. Whitcomb of Brockton, Massachusetts, Rusty attended elementary and secondary schools in Greenfield where he played coronet in the high school band, graduating from GHS in 1965. After a four-year enlistment in the U.S. Air Force, stationed in Texas, Mississippi, California and New York, he attended UMass where he was a member of the gymnastics team and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree.
Following his college years, Rusty began a long career of self-employment establishing businesses in high-pressure systems and electrical contracting. Rusty had a unique talent for designing and fabricating mechanical devices to meet customer and corporate needs, some machines being as large as a big-rig tractor trailer.
For many years, he equipped and serviced air compressors for fire departments in the region. Recently, during his semi-retirement, he enjoyed working with Thomas & Thomas to refine their production process for manufacturing high-quality fishing fly rods.
Ever the adventurer, Rusty was an avid scuba diver in his earlier years, becoming certified to teach scuba diving instructors. In 1990, he married his wife, Judy, and happily spent the next 33 years with her enjoying an active life that included skiing, golfing, bicycling, traveling, and time with family. Most of all, they loved their time together creating many happy memories.
Rusty unexpectedly passed away on June 27th after a brief struggle with pancreatic cancer. He leaves behind his wife Judy LaFleur Foote; brother Jim Foote and his wife Ingrid of Yucca Valley, California; daughter Kimberly Quinlan and her husband Michael with their children Patrick and Tucker of Northampton; son Fred LaFleur and his wife Robin with their children Cade and Rylan of South Lake Tahoe, California; several cousins; and many friends.
Always ready and willing to lend a hand to family and friends, he was also a very fun "grampy" to his four grandsons.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, July 5th, at 11:00 a.m. with Calling Hours prior to at 10 a.m. at Czelusniak Funeral Home, 173 North Street, Northampton. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity in Rusty's name. He is much loved and will be greatly missed.
Please go to czelusniakfuneralhome.com for online condolences and tribute book.
LINKS
The Greenfield Recorder
http://www.recorder.com
Daily Hampshire Gazette
http://www.gazettenet.com
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