Obituary of Philip E. Ruslink

Philip Edward Ruslink, 89, of 134 Chautauqua Ave. and Memory Garden, died Sunday, August 5, 2018, in UPMC Chautauqua. Phil was born in Clymer, New York on August 14, 1928 to the late Edward and Cora Hogenboom Ruslink. He graduated from Clymer High School in 1946 and from the University at Buffalo School of Pharmacy in 1951. He worked as a pharmacist at North Main Pharmacy in Jamestown and at Lakewood Drug Store prior to opening Ruslink Plaza Drugs with his cousin Marvin Ruslink in 1957. Phil was the quintessential small town pharmacist; all his customers knew him and his store sold everything from prescriptions to jellybeans. He retired from Ruslink Plaza Drugs in 1995. Phil was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Jamestown where he served as an elder and a deacon, and chairing many committees including mission and pastoral care. He was extremely active at First Pres., serving many years as Sunday School Superintendent and was instrumental in starting A Children's Place Day Care Center and the Jamestown Presbyterian Home. Phil served on the Jamestown AAA Board of Directors and the Adult Day Care Board of Directors. He was an active member of the Lakewood Rotary Club and was recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow in 1991. Phil is survived by his wife, Janis Carlson Ruslink, whom he married April 16, 1955; three daughters: Paula (John) Bidwell of Kenmore, NY, Judy (Paul) Bentley of Jamestown, and Susan (Greg) Kellogg of Lakewood, NY. Phil is also survived by six grandchildren: Susan Bentley of Buffalo, NY, Jennifer Bentley of Washington, DC, Adam (Mary) Bidwell of Columbus, OH, Sarah Bidwell of Buffalo, NY, Ian Kellogg of Seekonk, MA, and Drew Kellogg of Lakewood, NY. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Doris Ruslink and a brother, Gerald Ruslink. The family would like to thank the staff at Memory Garden and UPMC Chautauqua WCA for the care and attentiveness in Phil's final days. The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Friday in Bellinger Chapel of First Presbyterian Church. The Rev. Robert J. Hagel will officiate. Burial will be in Lake View Cemetery. Friends will be received from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday in the Lind Funeral Home, and Friday in fellowship hall of the church following the funeral service. Memorials may be made to the Video Ministry at First Presbyterian Church, 509 Prendergast Ave. Jamestown, NY 14701.