Obituary of William George Rustic

William G. Rustic of Viera, Florida died on Friday evening, November 24th, 2023 at 81 years old.  He was married to the love of his life, Dee, for 42 years until her death in 2010. Bill was a devoted grandfather to Marlee and Libbie Pinkerton (his girls), father to Sheri and Gerry, favorite father-in-law to Ian and Sandrina, and older brother to Bob. Bill and Dee were known for opening their home and hearts, and he was the American father to over a dozen foreign exchange students from around the globe including Norway, Denmark, Finland, Germany, France, Greece, Iran, creating bonds that lasted a lifetime. Bill was born in Cleveland, Ohio and lived in Michigan before retiring to Florida, and was an optimistic Detroit Lions fan (no matter how difficult that could be). Bill (known as Uncle Bill or “UB” to the family) was known to light up a room with his laugh, his smile, his jokes and his brilliant blue eyes. He was an avid golfer and was only one new club away from a lower handicap. Bill proudly served in the US Navy aboard the USS Guardian, and attended Ohio University earning a bachelors degree through the GI Bill, hard work, and, apocryphally, a fortuitously timed flood that washed away a semesters worth of work. Bill was a world traveler, enjoying cruises to Spain, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Norway, France, and the Caribbean. Ireland captured his heart on one of these trips, and he was planning his return next summer. Bill was quick with a joke, and he was kind, compassionate, and generous with his time and words of wisdom. Whether he was visiting with friends or family, traveling, or sitting with his cat Sunny reading a book, Bill was content and enjoyed a life well-lived.  

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to fund for the St. John the Evangelist Grotto or to Habitat for Humanity. A viewing will be held at Beckmann-Williamson Funeral Home of 5400 Village Dr., Rockledge, Florida on Wednesday, December 6 from 4-8pm with a brief prayer service and words of remembrance at 7pm. The funeral mass will be held at St. John The Evangelist (5655 Stadium Pkwy) in Melbourne, Florida, on Thursday, December 7 beginning with a viewing at 10AM followed by an 11AM funeral mass and burial at the Florida Memorial Gardens.