The Rev. Robert L. Ruston

August 6, 1949 – November 29, 2025

The Rev. Robert L. “Father Bob” Ruston, 76, a resident of Garvey Manor, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 29, 2025, after an extended illness, surrounded by his sisters and brother. Prior to Garvey Manor, he resided at John Paul II Manor in Cresson from February 2021 to September 2025.

He was born in Altoona on August 6, 1949, son of the late Lawrence C. and M. Adelaide (Harris) Ruston. He was raised in the Dutch Hill section of the city.

Father Ruston attended St. Mary Elementary School, graduated from Bishop Guilfoyle High School in 1967, and later earned degrees from St. Francis University and St. Francis Seminary in Loretto. He was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Altoona–Johnstown on May 8, 1976 and would have celebrated his 50th anniversary of priesthood in May 2026.

Surviving are two sisters, Rebecca (Dave) Willnecker and Mary Kay (John) Nardozza, and one brother, Mark (Lisa) Ruston, all of Altoona; nieces and nephews, Kristine (Christopher) Cacciotti, David (Christine) Willnecker, Whitney (Kevin) DeStephano, Janelle Nardozza, Chelsea (Joel) Steckelberg, Addie Ruston, Madison Ruston, Shauna (Steve) Polito, and JM (Julie) Nardozza; great-nieces and great-nephews, Vincent and Marissa Cacciotti, Nico and Leo DeStephano, Rose and Walker Steckelberg, Mya and Carmine Polito, and Dominic, Mikey, and Izzy Nardozza.

Father Bob deeply loved his family and treasured his role as “Uncle Bob” to his many nieces and nephews, who brought him great joy throughout his life.

Throughout his priesthood, Father Bob faithfully served all parishes he was assigned to in the Altoona–Johnstown Diocese. Father Bob’s most recent assignment was at SS. Gregory and Barnabas in Johnstown. His previous assignments were St. Patrick, Visitation, St. Benedict, all in Johnstown, St. Bartholomew in Wilmore, and St. Agnes in Cassandra. He was known for his gentle manner, compassion, and devotion to the spiritual and sacramental life of the Church. He cherished his parishioners, whom he considered his extended family, and created lasting memories as he celebrated weddings, baptisms, First Holy Communions, Christmas liturgies, parish festivals, and countless other moments of grace.

The family extends sincere gratitude to the Sister Servants of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus and the staff of John Paul II Manor for over four years of exceptional care and friendship; to Pinnacle Hospice for their guidance and support; and to Garvey Manor for their compassion and comfort during his final months.

A Reception of The Body will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at St. Mary Catholic Church, 1405 5th Avenue, Altoona, PA 16602, The Very Rev. John Lynam, VF officiating, followed by visitation from 3 until 7 p.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Thursday, December 4, at St. Mary Catholic Church, Altoona, the Most Rev. Mark L. Bartchak, JCD, Bishop of Altoona-Johnstown, celebrant, with Msgr. Robert Saly, concelebrant. Committal will be held at St. Mary Cemetery, Altoona.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Father Bob’s memory to John Paul II Manor, Garvey Manor, or a charity of the donor’s choice.

Arrangements are by The Stevens Mortuary Inc.

Condolences may be made at www.stevensfamilyfuneralhomes or Stevens Family Funeral Homes Facebook.