Andrew E Rusk , VRHS Class of 2005
On Sunday morning, the world lost an amazing human, loving husband and unbelievable father and Heaven gained an amazing angel. Andrew Rusk, 37, Nassau, NY, formerly of Rensselaer, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, October 29th, 2023. Andrew was born in Albany, NY in 1986 and graduated Rensselaer City Schools in 2005. He was a Hydraulic Cylinder Mechanic for Moordian Hydraulics for over 12 years. He leaves behind his soulmate and wife Nichole Hammond Rusk (Colie), beautiful children Irelynn Rose, Grayson, and his dogs Kash, and Luna. Andrew enjoyed sports in school and excelled in the arts. He was a talented artist who was always working on special artwork for Mommy and others. Those will be some of our favorite memories, we will cherish them forever. Andrew loved all things Batman and was a committed fan of the Dallas Cowboys and Miami Hurricanes football teams. He always kept us updated on scores with his humorous play by play posts on Facebook during football Sundays. When Andrew wasn't with Nichole and their children he was spending time talking sports and collecting sports cards with his little cousin Tanner. Andrew also enjoyed playing video games with his loving nephew Chase, comparing/debating Harry Potter facts with cousin Rachel, and rooting on Columbia High School at his cousins' events. During the summers he loved swimming at his Aunts' houses, along with his time outside hunting and golfing with family and friends. Andrew also leaves behind his mother Carolyn Rusk, sister Marissa Rusk and nephew Chase Harper. He is also survived by Nichole's parents Mark and Lynne Hammond that loved him like a son. Cousins Chris (Jasmine) Guido, Ronnie Defreest, Kyle deFreest, Jesse DeFreest, Nico Emery, Kiersten Cosgrove, Davis Kakely (Allison Moser), Keenan Cosgrove, Rachel Skumurski and Tanner Skumurski. Predeceased by his grandmother Rose DeFreest and his loved Aunt Deany. The world is now a much darker place after losing such an amazing soul. Services were at the Rockefeller Funeral home with Interment at New Rural Cemetery. Contributions in Andrew's memory may be made to a Go Fund Me for funeral and living costs https://gofund.me/2624a5f9