Bernard D. Rusiniak Sr., 88 (NY)

[TowNews]

Bernard D. Rusiniak Sr., 88, founded auto service and towing business

 

May 9, 1932 – Aug. 4, 2020

 

 

Bernard D. "Bernie" Rusiniak Sr., who founded an auto service and towing business, died Aug. 4 in his Cheektowaga home after a brief illness. He was 88.

 

Born in Buffalo, he attended Depew High School. In 1949, at the age of 17, he borrowed money from his family to open a two-bay gas and service station on Union Road between Walden Avenue and William Street, across from the future Appletree Mall.

 

When Mr. Rusiniak was drafted in 1950, his father left his job in the quarry at Buffalo Crushed Stone to keep the service station open while he served in the Navy in the Mediterranean. They remained partners in the business until 1970.

 

He bought his first tow truck in the early 1950s, working on AAA service calls and later with the Cheektowaga Police Department. He later added a flatbed truck and expanded the service bays at his business.

 

Rusiniak’s Service grew dramatically in 1979 when it acquired another towing firm that had a contract to answer service calls on the Thruway. Its fleet grew to seven tow trucks, easily recognized by their bright red paint. A repair facility and a collision shop later were built on Old Union Road in Cheektowaga.

 

His son, Bernard Jr., who began working at the service station as a boy, purchased it in 1983. His son, Daniel, and daughter, Leanne Marks, also have joined the business.

 

In retirement, he divided his time between Cheektowaga and a winter home in Delray Beach, Fla. During the summer, he continued assisting daily at the business until two days before his death, transporting customers, making deliveries and helping around the shop.

 

A boating enthusiast, he was a longtime member of the Western New York Power Boat Association and raced informally on the Niagara River. He obtained his pilot’s license and flew his own single-engine planes in the 1960s and 1970s.

 

In Florida, he developed a passion for tennis and was a competitive doubles player.

 

He had known his wife, the former Barbara A. Nazzarett, since they were neighbors as children in Depew. They were married in 1957. In addition to waiting on gasoline customers during the early years, she served as bookkeeper for the business.

 

In addition to his wife and son, survivors include three grandchildren and two great-granddaughters.

 

Funeral services will be private.

 

RESOURCE LINK

 

https://www.rusiniaks.com/

[GRUMPS The Towman]

Rest in peace Mr. Rusiniank. Although I never met him personally, I knew well of his business over in Buffalo and spoke with his son, Bernard Jr. several times throughout the years in regards to vehicles I had to pick up from there and vice versa. A top notch business man and tow operator who built a fantastic business that will stand the test of time with the next generation of his family leading the way.

Our industry lost one of the best with his passing.

[Moose]

Sounds Like A Long And Full Life. Thought's to the Family and All that knew Mr. Rusiniak.