Richard M. (Dick) Ruskey, Sr., 86, of Deerfield passed away on Sunday, June 2, 2013 at the Lutheran Care Community with his loving family by his side. Dick was born in Deerfield on February 6, 1927, a son of Joseph and Ella (Craska) Ruskey. At St. Patrick's Church, Utica on April 28, 1951 Dick was united in marriage to Joan Flanagan, a blessed union of 51 years until her death in 2002. For many years he was employed with J. F. Ruskey Construction Co. Dick was a lifetime member of the Deerfield Volunteer Fire Department where he served as Chief from 1965 to 1981 and was a member of the Board of Directors and the Firematics Drill Team. He was also a member and usher of St. Joseph's & St. Patrick's Church, a 60 year member of the Operating Engineers Union Local #158, member of the NYS Fire Chiefs Association, Oneida County Fire Chiefs Association, Drill Team Captains Association, Oneida County Association of Highway Superintendants and served as a Town Councilman for Deerfield. In his younger years he coached North Utica Pop Warner Football and in his youth played semi-pro football. Dick is survived by his three children and spouses, Richard and Marlene Ruskey, Jr., Deerfield, Scott and Catherine Ruskey, Deerfield, and Colleen and Joseph Puleo, Marcy, six grandchildren, Jennifer, Renee and Rick Ruskey, Nolan and Emily Puleo and Michelle Ruskey, two great grandchildren, Jorden and Jayce, a sister-in-law, Irma Ruskey, MA, his best buddy, David Perritano and especially acknowledging his good friend Joni Peterson who was always there to help Dick out whenever he needed it. Dick was predeceased by his six siblings Florence, Helen, Loretta, Joseph, Bernard and Raymond. Mr. Ruskey's funeral will be held on Friday, June 7, 2013 at 10:00 from the Heintz Funeral Home, 408 Herkimer Rd., North Utica and at 11:00 from St. Joseph's & St. Patrick's Church, Utica. Burial will take place in St. Peter's Cemetery, N. Utica. Calling hours at the funeral home are Thursday from 4-8. Those so wishing may make donations to St. Jude's Children's Hospital or the Lutheran Care Community. The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff of the Willow Way Unit of the Lutheran Home and a very special thank you to Dr. Lance Brownstein who was not only Dick's doctor but his good friend for all the loving care and compassion given to Dick.