West Boylston-John Rucho, a former Massachusetts State Representative, fell asleep in the Lord on February 22, at the vibrant age of 92. He is survived by his brother, Louis and his wife Judith Rucho, his sister-in-law; Florence Rucho, who provided him a comfortable home in his last years, and Ernestine Rucho of Matthews, N.C. He also will be sorely missed by 4 generations of nephews and nieces that were proud to inherit his legacy of love, concern for others, and public service. He was predeceased by siblings: Margaret and her husband Spiro Yanka, Celia Soter, Peter and his wife Helen, Thomas, & Vasil Rucho.
John was born on Nov. 11, 1922 in Providence R.I. to Andon and Banusha (Pano) Rucho, and moved to Worcester shortly thereafter. As a young man, he attended Commerce High School, and Becker Junior College. From 1942-1945 he served his country in the US Navy as a 3rd class petty officer and a combat veteran on the USS Custer and Newberry, and courageously fought on an amphibious assault squadron at Iwo Jima, Okinawa, and the Marshall Islands. Upon returning, he attended Simmons School of Floral Design in Boston, MA, and in 1946, along with his brothers owned and operated Dian’s Flower Shop in Worcester. In 1967, he embarked on another venture with the establishment of Crest Jewelers in Worcester.
In 1972, he began his political career out of his heartfelt desire to help and serve others. He was elected Democratic State Representative from the Main South region and served for three terms. He served on the Joint Committee on Post Audit and Oversight and the Committees on Election Laws and State Administration. He filed legislation in areas of welfare reform, property tax relief, and campaign financing. He also served a term as Commissioner of Hope Cemetery. After his political career he worked for the Worcester County Sheriff's Office until retirement. Other important affiliations to him were his extended family and friends at St. Nicholas Church, the Worcester Boy’s Club Alumni Association, his lifelong friends at the Vernon Hill Post 435 American Legion, and his early morning chats with the folks at Worcester Fitness - Grove St.
John was completely dedicated to his family and friends, and always tried to assist, guide, and encourage others. Uncle John could easily “tell you off”- bellowing his emphatic opinion if he felt the need - which came to be understood as but another expression of his genuine desire for all his loved ones to achieve success and happiness. To quote Uncle John, “To know me is to love me” - and we do.
Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, February 24 from 5 - 8 PM, with a Trisagion Service at 6:30 PM at Callahan - Fay & Caswell Funeral Home, 61 Myrtle St., Worcester, MA. The funeral will be held on Wednesday, February 25 at 10 o’clock at St. Nicholas Orthodox Church, 34 Gold Street, Shrewsbury, MA, with calling hours from 9:00 - 10:00 AM at the Church. Burial will be in Hope Cemetery. John had requested that memorial offerings in his name be given to St. Nicholas Orthodox Church, 34 Gold Street, Shrewsbury, MA 01545.