Earl A. Rust Jr.

Earl Aloysius Rust, Jr., age 82, of Clearwater, Florida, passed away suddenly but peacefully on Thursday, March 14, 2019. Earl was born on February 1, 1937, in Hamilton, Ohio to Marie Elizabeth Kupper and Earl Aloysuis Rust, Sr.

Earl was proud of his service in the United States Navy, including his three years aboard the U.S.S. Haynsworth DD-700, where he was responsible for the maintenance and repair of communication equipment. Following his service, his sense of patriotism continued as an engaged citizen. Earl moved to Florida in the 1960s and worked in research and development for Radio Corporation of America, focusing on circuit board design, testing and repair. In the 1970s, he worked as an Engineer in computer design for Harris Corporation. His greatest job in life, however, was as a supportive and loving father. Whether it was braiding hair for school, carpooling, teaching his kids how to swim, or making successive trips to the grocery store mid-recipe, Earl enjoyed being a caregiver.

Earl was a good neighbor. He was perennially charitable and would always lend a hand to those who needed help. He valued relationships and time with family and friends above all else and he always seized the opportunity to make a new friend. Earl appreciated nature and lived the expression that dog was man’s best friend. Throughout his life, he counseled to all who would listen the principle that everyone should take the opportunity to learn something about everything.

He was preceded in death by his sisters, Sheila Tracy and Mary Jo Rust, and his brother, Jermone Rust. He is survived by his wife, Randi Rust; his former wife and friend, Yolande Strange; his sons, Marcel Rust (Susan) and Brian Rust (Maria); his daughters, Michelle Knochel (Jack) and Sarah Pylant (Nicholas); his grandsons, Ryan Rust, Dalton Greco, Bryce Greco and Matthew Rust; his granddaughters, Ashlyn Rust, Isabella Rust and Penelope Rust; and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and family in law, his time with whom he always cherished.

A memorial service for Earl will be held Saturday, March 23, 2019 from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm at Sylvan Abbey Memorial Park, 2860 Sunset Point Road, Clearwater, FL 33759. A celebration of life will occur Saturday, March 23, 2019 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at Sylvan Abbey Funeral Home, 2853 Sunset Point Rd., Clearwater, Florida 33759.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.sylvanabbey.com for the Rust family.