Thomas Ray Rusin, Sr.

Thomas Ray Rusin, Sr., of Indianapolis and formerly of Terre Haute passed away late Friday evening, April 30, 2021. Born March 10, 1959 in Indianapolis, Tommy was adopted at 6 weeks old by his loving parents, Thomas Rusin and Virginia Kosko Rusin.

Tommy attended Sacred Heart Elementary School, Otter Creek Middle School and Terre Haute North Vigo High School ‘77. His first job out of high school was at WBAK Channel 38 as a morning children’s program host and was known by many as Solon Star Champion. He then went to Knoxville, TN to pursue his career in music and entertainment before returning back to Terre Haute to join the Plumbers & Steamfitters Local Union #157 in 1980 and became a Journeyman in 1985. He was also an auctioneer.

Tommy was a member of St. Joseph University Parish. He loved sports, playing baseball and football in his youth and golf throughout the years and also coached youth football and basketball. He always enjoyed watching the St. Louis Cardinals, Notre Dame football and IU basketball. A lifelong Catholic, Tommy served as a volunteer Eucharistic minister at Union Hospital for several years. He loved music and played in multiple local bands as a singer and drummer and was accomplished at playing the trumpet. He was always known for his quick wit and sense of humor.

Survivors include his three children, Tiffany Rose Mertz (Kevin) of Indianapolis, Thomas Ray Rusin, Jr. of Terre Haute and Regina Marie Rusin of Brazil, IN; grandson Valentine John Mertz and granddaughter Alice Autumn Rae Rusin; several cousins, including a special cousin George Rusin; and many good friends.

Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 1:00 PM, Thursday, May 6, 2021 in St. Joseph University Parish, 113 South 5th Street, with Fr. Cyprian Uline officiating. Visitation is scheduled prior to services from 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM in Callahan & Hughes Funeral Home, 605 South 25 ^th Street. In lieu of flowers, donations to Catholic Charities of Terre Haute. https://www.archindy.org/cc/terrehaute/index.html .  Funeral information and tributes may be found at www.callahanandhughes.com.