09/16/2026
Henry Ruszkowski Sr., a lifelong fixture of the Port Richmond neighborhood, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 13, 2026, at the age of 82.
Born and raised in Philadelphia, PA, Henry attended St. Adalbert Catholic Grade School and graduated from Mastbaum Vocational High School. Soon after graduation, Henry answered the call to serve his country and joined the United States Army. His time in the service was a defining chapter of his life. He carried a deep, lifelong pride, as a U.S Army Vietnam Veteran.
This devotion was evident by the years he faithfully volunteered his time preserving and maintaining the Vietnam War Memorial on Richmond Street in Port Richmond. Ensuring the local, fellow service members, were never forgotten.
Henry was an automotive enthusiast, through and through, and he was an absolute fixture in the classic car community. Henry and Gerry spent countless weekends at car shows, swap meets and just cruising around.
He very much enjoyed meeting people, strangers, who quickly became friends. He loved talking about different cars and sharing in the joy of reminiscing about the “good old days”.
Henry will be remembered as a natural jokester and ultimate prankster. He treasured bringing a smile to the faces of his family, friends, and neighbors, and had the inherent ability to make everyone around him laugh.
He proved that you never have to “grow out” of having fun, and his vivacious laugh will forever echo in the hearts of his family and friends.
Above all, Henry’s greatest joy in life was his family. He loved his family more than anything and everything.
For years, Henry hosted countless holiday gatherings bringing the family together and creating endless memories.
Fond memories which are preserved by the infinite number of times “A Christmas Story” played in his home throughout the month of December.
Preceding Henry in death are his parents, Paul & Laura (Nee Gracki) Ruszkowski, his brother William Ruszkowski, sisters Laura Cigler and Maryann Ruszkowski.
Henry was the beloved husband for 57 years to Geraldine (nee Koltys) Ruszkowski. He was the loving father of Henry Ruszkowski Jr. (Cori), Eric Ruszkowski (Jessica), Angelique Conway (Thomas), Robin Lebron (Daniel) Troy Ruszkowski, Mark Ruszkowski, and Chucky Shorten. Henry was the cherished grandfather “Pop-ski” to Eric McGlynn-Ruszkowski, Anabelle Ruszkowski, Amelia Ruszkowski, Rachel Ruszkowski, Amanda Ruszkowski, Daniel Ruszkowski, Michael Conway, Sean Conway, and Collin Shorten.
Henry is survived by his brother Joseph Ruszkowski, sister-in-law Patricia D’Allesandro (Rocco), numerous nieces and nephews. His vibrant spirit will also be missed by an enormous community of friends.
Relatives, friends, and neighbors are invited to a viewing for Henry on Tuesday, September 22, 2026 at Tomaszewski Funeral Home 2728-30 E. Allegheny Ave. Phila., PA. 19134 from 5:30 – 8:00 PM. Funeral Services will begin at 8:00 PM. Interment to take place Wednesday, September 23, 2026 at Washington Crossing National Cemetery at 10:30 AM.
