Stephen J. Ruskin

Clifton Park - Stephen J. Ruskin passed away April 29, 2023.

If he could, Steve would tell you that he—unfortunately--was the shining example why we should all live our lives to the fullest each day and embrace our loved ones. We never know when it’s going to be our last.

This is the story of Stephen Ruskin, a wonderfully bright, generous, and intelligent man with a sharp sense of humor who was loved, is greatly missed and who will always be cherished by his loving wife, family and friends.

Steve’s story starts in New Haven, Connecticut where he was born to Richard and Jane Ruskin. Being born in New England, Steve loved the ocean and beach growing up. His love of the beach, whether visiting Maine, Florida or the Carolinas as an adult never abated.

As he grew into a young man who eventually moved with his family to Liverpool, NY, Steve became a major sports fan who enjoyed Syracuse University basketball, NY Giants, NY Mets, world-class cycling and professional tennis. His knowledge was considerable about each of these. Along with sports came Steve’s zeal for automobiles; his knowledge was extensive. With all this came his handsome sense of style and exacting eye for detail.

Around the time he graduated from the University at Buffalo, Steve started his career in retail management. He was recognized with many awards and accolades throughout his 35 year-career. Colorize/Benjamin Moore in Clifton Park was the last retail establishment fortunate enough to have Steve’s talents and ambition drive their sales and profits.

Twenty-five years ago, Steve married the love of his life, Valerie, who greatly mourns the loss of her husband and best friend. Together they enjoyed their life, home and annual visits to Florida, Maine and South Carolina. They adopted retired racing greyhounds and gave them all a loving home.

Steve is also deeply mourned by his mother, Jane; brother Eric (Estie) Ruskin, and nephew Reuven; father-in-law Anthony DiRocco; and sister-in-law Ann Marie DiRocco. Steve was pre-deceased by his father, Richard Ruskin, and mother-in-law Judy DiRocco.

Steve maintained his stoic disposition throughout his pancreatic cancer diagnosis. “Normalcy is under-rated,” he said.

Steve’s wife and family would like to thank their family and friends for their loving support, Dr. Eileen O’Reilly and staff at Memorial Sloan Kettering for their first-class care, Albany Medical Center and Steve’s colleagues for their friendship and encouragement.

If you would like to make a charitable gift remembering Steve, which he would want you to do because it will help others, please visit Memorial Sloan Kettering’s page at MSKCC.org or Lustgarten Foundation at lustgarten.org. Memorial service will be private.

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