Steven Rust, who served for 28 years in the Milford Police Department, passed away on May 27. Rust was 62.
Known to be the “man who fixes everything,” Rust was born the son of Harvey and Doris Rust. He was well known for his dry wit, the type that would sneak up on you in mid-conversation and leave you chuckling hours later, according to his obituary.
After retiring from MPD, Rust took his years of service to the classroom, teaching at Sussex Technical High School for the last 11 years. He got great joy from his students and impacted their lives greatly. But Rust’s proudest role was as a husband, father and grandfather, or, as his grandchildren referred to him “the world’s best PopPop.
Rust also adored his wife and built her just about anything, from furniture to memories and a family strongly rooted in love.
Rust is survived by his wife of 42 years, Cindy; his children Stephen and his wife, Julia; Ema-Leigh Mashburn and her husband, Joey; Anastasia Patone and her husband, Mat. He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren, Bryant, Ben, Oliver, Addison, Cameron and Eloise. His sister, Cora Downes and her husband, David also survive him.
His parents, Harvey and Doris, stepmother, Jeannie and his brother, Eugene, predeceased Rust. The family believes he and Eugene are already reunited in heaven where the “fishing is great, and the tools are always sharp.”
Service was very important to Rust and when he wasn’t helping in the community, he could be found in his workshop, sanding, carving and whittling all types of things, from toys to trinkets to furniture and figurines. He loved to sketch and had a particular talent for barns, but recently turned to sketching the favorite superheroes and monster trucks of his grandchildren.
His family called him the “master craftsman, a quiet encourager, a reliable fixer-of-all-things and a man that knew that love often looked like being there with a toolbelt on and sleeves rolled up. A man of great faith, he walked humbly with God, read His word and loved well. The family said he was not a man of “great speeches,” but showed his love with daily acts of service and presence.
A visitation and service were held June 2 at Berry-Short Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family asked for donations to First Responders Children’s Foundation. Donations can be made by mail to 38 East 32nd Street, Suite 602, New York, NY 10016; by phone by calling 402-218-1234; by email or online.
“As we celebrate Steve’s life and legacy, we rest in the promise of his eternal
peace, knowing that the same hand sthat crafted so many beautiful things on Earth are now held in the hands of the Creator,” the obituary said.
