I am so sorry to hear that Rusty is gone! Ever since I discovered that we were 3rd cousins (both descendants of Samuel L. Tressel and Elizabeth Sparks), I had hoped we might meet in person some day. I felt I got to know him just a bit by being Facebook friends, and we seemed to have much in common. When I suddenly realized I had not seen a post from Rusty in some time, I feared the worst, having followed his battle with cancer. My fiddle-playing brother Chris passed away unexpectedly in 2022, and I was planning to share with Rusty a recording of his that I found, but it was not to be. Even though we never met in person, I was glad to know Rusty even if only through his posts on the Internet.

Rusty was the "Dean" of the Penn Prostate Cancer Support group. He always sent articles for the group to read. Over an eight year period he helped so many newly diagnosed cancer patients with very difficult choices and decisions. He will be greatly missed by the group.

Nancy,

I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.

Ekawati Phiong

Nancy,

I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Russell. I am sending my deepest condolences to you and your family.

Sincerely,

Anita