William James Ruspino

Mr. William James "Bill" Ruspino, age 89, of Ocean Springs, MS, entered the Church Triumphant on Monday, September 14, 2009. A veteran of WWII, he served as a Naval Officer, notably on the U.S.S. Toro submarine. He moved to Ocean Springs in 1962 to open the Chevron Refinery, where he worked until his retirement. A charter member of Christus Victor Lutheran Church, "Mr. Bill" was deeply loved by his church family in which he served as a faithful leader for many years. Through his work with the Parish Council and Pre-school Board, he guided the development of the church with his dear friend and pastor, the late Reverend Billy F. Rutrough. His deepest joy was found in his marriage of nearly 50 years to the late Esther Ruspino and his children. Survivors include his children, Nancy Ruspino Germany of Ocean Springs, MS, and Dale (Marybeth) Ruspino of Austin, TX, grandchildren, Nathan Germany of Ocean Springs, MS, and Chrissie Ruspino of Houston, TX, great-granddaughter, Mackenzye Germany of Ocean Springs, sisters, Betty (Jack) Soderling of Forest City, Iowa and June Drazenovich of Carlsbad, CA, sister-in-law, Claire Ruspino of Atlanta, GA, and numerous beloved nieces, nephews, and countless friends. A luncheon and visitation will be on Friday, September 18, 2009, from 12 Noon until 2:00 PM, with a 2 PM Memorial Service, all at Christus Victor Lutheran Church. Burial will be in Crestlawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers the family prefers memorials be made to Christus Victor Lutheran Church, 2755 Bienville Blvd., Ocean Springs, MS. 39564. The Ocean Springs Chapel of Bradford O'Keefe Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.