Steven Dean Ruzicska

Steven Dean Ruzicska, age 73, passed away on March 16, 2022 after a 46-year battle with Multiple Sclerosis. Born on June 8, 1948 in Columbus, Ohio, he resided in Columbus his entire life. He was preceded in death by mother Ferne Nichols Ruzicska, father Paul Frank Ruzicska and nephew Tye Lee Downard. Survived by beloved wife of 47 years Marlene Senser Ruzicska, daughter Tammy (Brian) Abel, son Jeff Ruzicska, sister Robin (Dwight) McCormick and brother Doug (Julie) Ruzicska.

Steve spent his childhood in the Linden neighborhood, where he met his lifelong best friend, Denny Cahill. After moving to the Northland area, he attended Brookhaven High School (class of 1966) and later went on to earn a Bachelor's degree in Economics from The Ohio State University in 1971. Steve spent many happy years at Ohio State shooting pool at the Student Union, socializing with friends at Andy Capp's bar, attending weekly poker games with his buddies in which he often came home with full pockets, bowling leagues and golfing. He won 2nd place in a golf tournament sponsored by his employer Pepsi Bottling Company. While he studied just enough to graduate, by his own account, he truly cherished his time at Ohio State and was so proud of his degree.

Steve met Marlene through mutual friends at a party in 1972. They would go on to have a great time together, dancing a couple times a week as their relationship blossomed. After marrying in 1975, Steve went on to become a sales representative for William Wrigley Jr. Company (Wrigley gum). Having a garage full of Hubba Bubba bubblegum endeared Steve to all the neighborhood kids, as well as his own children. In their home in Northeast Columbus, he and Marlene enjoyed many friends, were active in their neighborhood civic association, and were involved in many social activities including a monthly euchre group, where to his chagrin, Marlene was always in last place despite lots of laughing and good times. They moved to Dublin in 1987, where they raised their children and still reside.

A passionate Ohio State football fanatic, he and Jeff took in a game each fall in the "Horseshoe" and attended many a "Skull Session" where the playing of 'Carmen Ohio' was always sure to bring lots of tears. Nothing thrilled him quite as much as the Buckeyes' success against That Team Up North over the past two decades. A lifelong Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers fanatic he and Marlene took in many Dodger vs. Reds games in Cincinnati in the 1970's, where he taught her the ins and outs of baseball. He would later pass down and share this passion with Jeff, regularly traveling together to Dodgers games.

He and Tammy loved attending The Ohio State Fair each summer to watch the 'Oldies' concerts, eat an ear of corn, and a Schmidt's Bahama Mamma and cream puff! Steve and family had a shared love for music, and attended many memorable concerts including the Rolling Stones, Moody Blues, Simon & Garfunkel, Elton John, and everyone from Chubby Checker to Sheryl Crow at the Dublin fireworks celebration each 4th of July.

Steve had a wonderful sense of humor and a sharp wit, and loved nothing more than playing a good practical joke. He was a joyous man in spite of being stricken with M.S. at age 27 and having to take disability in 1982, at which time he became "Mr. Mom" while Marlene went to work. He showed unconditional love for everyone and took the time to genuinely get to know the friends of Tammy and Jeff. He especially had a soft heart for marginalized and handicapped children, often speaking about his experience living with M.S. at schools and churches.

Steve always had a smile on his face, listened more than he talked, was easy going and had a genuine love for people. He also loved being independent, often motoring down to the grocery store by himself to sneak some sweet treats. Steve will be greatly missed by his family and everyone who knew him. When he finally succumbed to his illness he was at peace, knowing he would soon be walking and dancing with loved ones again.

Funeral services for Steve will be held Tuesday March 22, 2022 at Newcomer Funeral Home at 10051 Brewster Lane in Powell, Ohio with visitation from 12:00 - 1:00 and funeral services beginning at 1:00. Following the ceremony, burial will be at Union Cemetery at 2:30. In lieu of flowers a donation can be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society at http://www.nationalsmssociety.org

Steven's services will be livestreamed at the scheduled service time. Click here. to view the service.