Joseph John Rusin, DPM, MD

Joseph John Rusin, DPM, MD of Maumee, OH passed away at home on Sunday, February 16, 2025. He was born May 15, 1950 in Chicago, IL to Joseph Edward and Ann (Lubas) Rusin. Joseph was a graduate of Benet Academy in Lisle, IL, Marquette University, the Illinois College of Podiatric Medicine, and the Chicago Medical School. After completing his 5-year Orthopedic residency at the University of Toledo Medical Center, he completed 3 fellowships. They included Foot and Ankle in Oakland, CA, Spine at Northwestern University in Chicago, IL and the prestigious AO fellowship in Trauma in St. Galen, Switzerland. Only 300 orthopedic surgeons in the country had been certified in this.

Before his fellowships he practiced in Mequon, WI and was a director of a Podiatric residency program in Milwaukee, WI. After completing his fellowships, he moved to the Toledo area and joined a group practice in Sylvania, OH. He was on staff at multiple hospitals. At the Toledo Hospital he was chief of orthopaedics where he started the Orthopaedic PA program. His last 20 years were in private practice in Sylvania, OH but he devoted most of his time to Henry County Hospital in Napoleon, OH. He so admired the hard-working farmers and people there.

Joseph is survived by his loving wife and best friend of 47 years, Dr. Pamela Sheridan; sister-in-law, Camille (Dr. James) Thurmond; nephews, Jason and Brent (Natalie) Thurmond; dear friends, Steve Cherko, John Masel, DDS, and Ronald and Gavin Rinto. His best buddies were his feline companions, Edward, Benjamin, and Tucker.

Joseph’s passions included Olympic Trap shooting, fast cars, flying, and farming. He was a founding member of Midwest Shooting. Joseph was a private pilot. He owned and flew many different types of aircraft over the years, including single engine trainers to a twin-engine jet. He Truly enjoyed flying. For 30 years he owned an 80-acre farm in Swanton, OH. Special farming friends were Charlie Weber and Tom Von Seggern.

His compassion and medical skills reached all the way to Long Island, Bahamas. He had many Bahamian friends. They all loved “Doc” for treating their Orthopaedic pains and for offering helpful medical advice. He also cared for the 400 children on the island with gifted Christmas presents. He provided the local felines with food and loving care. He will be deeply missed by family, friends, and patients.

Visitation will be Sunday, February 23 from 4-8 p.m. at Sujkowski Funeral Home Northpointe, 114 E. Alexis Rd. The funeral service will be on Monday at 10:30 a.m. in the funeral home with Deacon James Dudley presiding. Entombment will follow in Resurrection Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers please consider a memorial contribution to www.pawsandwhiskers.org or mail to Paws & Whiskers Cat Shelter, 32 Hillwyck Drive, Toledo, OH 43615. Condolences can be shared at www.sujkowski.com.