Aida F. Ruscitti

Aida Felicia Ruscitti, “Auntie” to most, passed peacefully with family by her side on April 20, 2023, at the age of 101 1/2+. To say she lived a long and full life is an understatement! She definitely lived life to the fullest.

Aida was born in Cleveland, Ohio on September 1, 1921. She and her family lived in Cleveland, Steubenville, and Brooklyn, Ohio in her younger years. As an adult, she lived in the Gold Coast lakefront neighborhood of Lakewood, Ohio.

After graduating from high school in Brooklyn, Aida attended training, and began her career at Equitable Life Insurance Company in downtown Cleveland. She rose through the ranks and became the Executive Secretary to the head of the Cleveland branch. Her excellent people skills and secretarial skills were an asset both on and off the job. Aida’s organizational skills were second to none. She often recounted organizing the supply room at the Cleveland office, and how all offices across the country then copied and standardized her plan. Her personal spaces were also organized with the same gusto. Those close to her also benefited from these skills. Anyone moving or regrouping knew just who to call. Aida worked at Equitable for her entire career, through retirement.

Aida wasn’t all about work. She also had a full and adventurous personal life. Traveling the world with family and friends was a favorite activity. Italy was a favorite destination. Aida also enjoyed singing. She was a member of a choral group which performed on stages throughout the Cleveland area. Aida also enjoyed entertaining in her home. To be invited to one of her wonderful home cooked feasts or offered some of her tasty baked goods was truly a delight. Auntie also enjoyed crocheting. Many families and friends were gifted various handmade treasures over the years. And she loved her cats. Shalimar, a sweet beautiful Persian, was definitely a favorite. Auntie spent her time after retirement divided between Cleveland, and Sarasota and Naples, FL. She was not fond of the cold, but did love the warmth and sunshine. The hotter the better for Auntie!

Aida was also all about family and friends. She always kept in close contact. Family and friends knew she was available all the time, anytime, and for anything. Aida provided very wise counsel. Though she never married, she did have several suitors, and her nieces and nephews were loved as her own children. Hence the immortal reference, “Auntie”. Nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, friends of nieces and nephews, and so many others referred to Aida as “Auntie”.

The Catholic Religion and Faith were central to Aida’s life. Anyone who knew her, knew of her strong faith. Auntie shared her faith and personal faith experiences. She helped others to develop and strengthen their faith. Many can picture her with a favorite rosary, deep in prayer.

Aida was the beloved daughter of the late Donato Ruscitti and Virginia Cuccovia Ruscitti; loving sister of Felicia Rizzo Andres (Russell Rizzo MD) (both deceased), and Chris Ruscitti (Margaret) (both deceased); loving auntie of Josanne Sabourin (Tom), Donna Ruscitti (Brian Rigg), Gina-Lisa Rizzo (Bruce Anderson), Danny Ruscitti (deceased), Paul Rizzo, Chris Ruscitti (Tami); and great auntie to many.

Service at the funeral home on Tuesday, April 25, 2023, at 2pm. Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery. Family and friends received at The RIPEPI FUNERAL HOME, 5762 PEARL RD. (AT SNOW RD.) TUESDAY from 1-2pm.

We all love you, Auntie! Yesterday, today, tomorrow, and always!