MATTHEWS, NC___Thomas A. Rucho, 86, formerly of Worcester, MA, died peacefully on Saturday, August 26th at home surrounded by his loving family. He leaves his wife of 60 years, Ernestine (Tanca) Rucho, three sons, Dr. Robert Rucho and his wife Theresa, Donald Rucho and his wife Susan and Paul Rucho all of Matthews; four grandsons, Adam of Wilmington, NC, Zachary, Robby and Ross all of Matthews; three brothers, John Rucho, Vasil Rucho and his wife Florence of West Boylston, MA, and Louis Rucho and his wife Judith of Worcester and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a brother Peter Rucho of Shrewsbury, MA and a sister Margaret Yanka of Southbridge, MA. Mr. Rucho was born in Fier, Albania, the son of Andon and Bernice (Pano) Rucho and lived in Worcester for many years before moving to Charlotte and later Matthews.
He was a lineman retiring in 1982 after working for New England Electric Company for 28 years. Tom served in the U.S. Navy during WWII on the USS Pasadena. He graduated from the former Worcester Boy’s Trade High School. He was a founding member of St. Nicholas Romanian Orthodox Church and was very active with church affairs and functions. He was a member and past master of the Quinsigamond Lodge A.F. & A.M., Worcester. Tom was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and family man. He enjoyed many things in life but his family was his most valuable treasure.
The Funeral Service will be held on Friday, September 1st at 11:00 a.m. in St. Nicholas Romanian Orthodox Church, 34 Gold St., Shrewsbury. Burial will be in Hope Cemetery, Worcester. Calling hours will be held on Thursday, August 31st from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. in HENRY-DIRSA FUNERAL HOME, 33 Ward St., Worcester. A Trisagion service will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday in the funeral home. A Masonic ritual will be held at 6:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Nicholas Romanian Orthodox Church - Building Fund, 34 Gold St., Shrewsbury, MA 01545 or The Hospice – Charlotte Region, 1420 East Seventh St., Charlotte, NC, 28204.