Dr. Edward Frank Rusnak, 79, of Central Beach died Nov. 1st.

Originally from Blue Island, Illinois, he lived in Vero Beach for over 43 years. He was born in Chicago, Illinois and attended Pullman Tech High School. Dr. Rusnak received his degree in Optometry from the Illinois College of Optometry and served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Lance Corporal Rusnak was a decorated Army medic who went on to appreciate the practice of medicine during a successful 38-year Optometric practice.

Dr. Rusnak retired to enjoy golf and his own various innovative and creative culinary delights with his extended family and friends.

Dr. Rusnak was a choir director for 17 years and one of the active founders of Holy Cross Catholic Church. He was a Third Degree Knight of Columbus, a past member of the Dodgers Pines Golf & Country Club, a long time member of the Exchange Club of Vero Beach, a vocal performer in many Theater Guild productions and die-hard fan of the Chicago Bears and The University of Florida Gators.

He was active in Boy Scouts of America and his two sons achieved the honor of Eagle Scout. He has a true dedication to the Vero Beach Fighting Indians as a member of the Quarterback Club. Ed was famously known as the "Voice of the Fighting Indians" for over 34 years, calling his beloved Indians on to victory announcing his final game on Friday, October 31, 2008.

His immediate family include his wife of 55 years, Jean Udziela Rusnak of Vero Beach, FL; son, James Rusnak (Pam) of Lake Charles, LA; daughter, Terri Strazzulla (Philip) of Vero Beach, FL; daughter, Jane Forbus (Jeff) of Tampa, FL; son, Stephen Rusnak (Laura) of Melbourne, FL.

He dearly loved and took great pride in his grandchildren: Christopher, Jonathan, Matthew, Allison, Amelia, Amanda, Andrew, Michael and David.

Your continued support of our U.S. Military throughout the world would honor Dr. Rusnak's memory. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Amanda Lee Foundation, advancing sarcoma research and a cure for adolescent cancer, in care of Dr. Doug Letson & Jeff Williams, 4114 West Palmira, Tampa, FL 33629 OR The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, P.O. Box 016960(R-48), Miami, FL. 33101.

Visitation will be from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Tuesday, November 4, 2008 at Strunk Funeral Home, 916 17th Street, Vero Beach, FL. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 am on Wednesday, November 5, 2008 at Holy Cross Catholic Church, Vero Beach, FL.