Stefan V. Ruskov Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Stefan was called to heaven on July 24th, 2022. He went peacefully with God while in the arms of his loving wife, Mary. He lived a very happy life and experienced many wonderful things while on this beautiful Earth. He will have no trouble earning his angel wings as he was always available to help anyone in need and made friends everywhere he went. He was especially devoted to his wife and family members. Dear Friends and Family, My husband’s journey started when he was born April 17, 1977 in Razlog, Bulgaria. He was born into a loving family and his parents, Vasil and Vera were proud of their child and the fine man he grew up to be. His sister was brought into his life 4 years later and the two shared many positive memories as they grew up. The children were brought up on positive, polite and honest values and Stefan carried these attributes with him as he grew into adulthood. Stefan attended the Army after graduating high school and held the title of Senior Lieutenant in the Artillery of the Bulgarian Army. He attended The University for National and World Economy in Sofia and pursued a degree in Sociology. In 2000, an opportunity arose to come to work in the United States with his best friend, Ivan. The first girl he met in America was a waitress at his new place of employment in Put-In-Bay, Ohio. Who knew him and that waitress would date many years later and she would so happily become his wife in 2011? What a beautiful world! It’s like the words from a song we listened to often, “It’s a Helluva Life” and another one that says “God Bless the broken road that led me straight to you.” After years of working in Ohio, we moved to Florida. Stefan started working for The Hyatt Regency at Coconut Point in 2015 and officially found his perfect work family. He loved the colleagues he worked with and we were proud to be a part of the Hyatt family. They took care of Stefan and friends and hotel guests loved him dearly. Thanks to all of you for making him laugh and feel loved over the years. Although our permanent residence is in Estero, FL, we were often found staycationing around Florida and never missed the chance to visit other states and countries. Stefan chose to live life to the fullest and we stuffed many vacations and memories into the 14 years we spent as a couple. He worked hard to be able to experience all that life has to offer and could often be heard saying “Get busy living, Or get busy dying.” This was one of his many mottos and sayings when he was ready for a drink or night out with friends. Stefan was known to many people as one of the last great gentlemen. One of the words used to describe him often was “Loyal”. It’s true, Stefan was extremely loyal to his loved ones and friends and most especially to me. He was always there to help when someone was in need and everyone knew they could count on him to meet for a drink to watch a Tribe game or any other Cleveland sports team. There was hardly ever a time when he was not seen without his American brother’s Mike and Pete along with other long held island friends. He loved all of his island friends! He was honest, kind, good natured and was known for his quick wit and unique sense of humor. Stefan was big in stature and huge in character and he was often introduced jokingly as a member of the Bulgarian Mafia. However many friends lovingly got to know him as a gentle giant instead. He will be missed by his family and friends in Bulgaria. Especially loved and missed by his mother Vera, his sister Katia and niece Mariana. My family will never be the same without him and they loved him for taking such good care of me. Even before we started dating, my family accepted him as their own son, brother and best friend. My parents loved him so very much and Stefan was so appreciative of their love and the way they helped him through the years. We were so fortunate to see family and friends one last time over the 4th of July in Put-In-Bay. My sister Jennifer and brother in law Todd Blumensaadt will miss the conversations and laughs they enjoyed together. His American brothers, Jason, Mike and Pete will also miss him dearly and will hold on to great memories they have of him. He was greatly loved by nephews, Joe and Alex and niece, Saylor. Thank you guys for always making him laugh and smile. A comforting thing for all of us to know is that he is now reunited with his dad, Vasil; my mother and father, Scott and Linda Buttrey; and our nephew, Will. I know many of his friends will be sad and miss him dearly. Please remember Stefan’s worst fear was for any of us to be sad. He cared for all of you deeply. Take advice from Stefan and “Get Busy Living”. Live life to the fullest, travel, love a lot, watch the sunsets, eat the steak and all the cake too. And, don’t forget to wash it all down with a dirty martini. Always be kind to your wait staff and every person you meet. Make them laugh and make their day and their lives better. Kiss your wife every morning before you leave for work and every night before you go to bed. Hold her up on a pedestal and make her feel like she’s the only person in the world that matters. If you aren’t married yet, go ahead and Make Her an Offer She Can’t Refuse. My husband did and I will be forever grateful. To sign Stefan’s guest register or to leave online condolences, please visit www.ShikanyFuneralHome.com. Arrangements are being handled by Shikany’s Bonita Funeral Home, Family Owned and Operated since 1978.

Stefan V. Ruskov

April 17, 1977 - July 24, 2022