Russell Franklin Ireland, 72, of Morgantown, passed away Sunday, April 6, 2025, surrounded by loved ones in his home, after a valiant 11-year battle with cancer.
He was born January 3, 1953, the youngest son to the late Beulah and Louis Ireland.
On June 25, 1977, Rusty married his high school sweetheart, Patricia Fusco.
He graduated from St. Francis High School in 1972, and spent most of his working career with the Morgantown Utility Board at the Wastewater Treatment Plant.
He was a member of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Morgantown, as well as a longtime member of the Mon County Chapter Izaak Walton League. Rusty was a kind, caring, and thoughtful man who would help anyone in need. He was loved and respected by his family and many friends.
He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Patricia Ireland; two daughters and their families: Sarah and Joedy Gutta and children, Madeline, Julianna and Zackery Gutta; and Jennifer Ireland and David Keener and their sons, Gavin and Carter Murray; brother, Randy Ireland and wife Patti; sister-in-law, Nancy Ireland, along with each of their families; brothers- in-law, Andy Fusco and wife Deb, Randy Fusco and wife Sue, and Michael Fusco and wife Mary Lou, as well as each of their families.
In addition to his parents, Rusty was preceded in death by his father and mother-in-law, Albert and Virginia Fusco; as well as his oldest brother, Richard Ireland.
The family wishes to thank the doctors and nurses at the Mon Health Oncology Center, and nurses at the Infusion Center, who treated us like family. Their care and compassion helped Rusty and Patty so much during his journey. The family also wishes to thank the nurses at Amedisys for their kind and compassionate care.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations, in Rusty’s memory, to St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, 1 Guthrie Lane, Morgantown, WV 26508, earmarked for the purchase of a wheelchair accessible van for the Wes Nugent family.
Friends and family will be received from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, April 9, in St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, 1 Guthrie Lane, Morgantown. A Vigil Service will be held at 8 p.m. to conclude the evening visiting. Visitation will continue at the church Thursday, April 10, from 10 until the time of the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Msgr. Anthony Cincinnati, S.T.D., as celebrant. Entombment will take place at a later time at St. Mary’s Peace Garden Mausoleum.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Hastings Funeral Home and condolences may be made to the family at www.hastingsfuneralhome.com
