Steve was a resident of Benson, NC for the past 35 years. He died on January 2, 2026 at 10 AM, at the age of 60. He would have been 61 just two weeks later.

Steve was born in the Edwards Air Force Base Hospital on January 14, 1965 while his parents were working at the USAF Rocket Propulsion Laboratory. The family moved a few months later to Manhattan Beach, California, where Steve grew up and attended Pennekamp Elementary School.

In 1976 Steve moved with his Father to Los Altos in Northern California where he graduated from Jr. High School. Steve was active in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. He played in sports including baseball and soccer. He learned to play the piano and clarinet. He also loved to grow vegetables and won a prize for a huge pumpkin that he grew in the back yard. His family expanded by three siblings, David, Paul, and Katherine.

He returned to Southern California to live with his Mother and attend Torrance High School. In 1986 Steve drove to North Carolina to make his living. He met and married Kathy Gee on March 24, 1990. They had two children, Celia in 1995 and Cameron in 2006.

Steve attended Johnston County Community College for automotive mechanics. He worked at a Chrysler car dealership where he later received special training to become one of their Five Star mechanics. He worked there until he was injured in an accident in the repair shop which he never completely recovered from. Steve’s greatest accomplishments in life, other than his children, were becoming a certified Five Star master mechanic.

In 2011 Steve was hospitalized with serious respiratory and heart issues. Although he recovered from these serious issues he eventually lost his right leg below the knee. More recently, in 2022, he suffered a massive stroke and was paralyzed on his left side. Since that time he was confined to Liberty Commons Nursing & Rehab Center of Johnston County in Benson, NC. Most recently he suffered from severe pneumonia and sepsis.

Steve was predeceased by his Mother, Patricia Cookinham, in March 2025 and his half-brother David (48) in October 2025. He is survived by his wife, Kathy Gee Rusch, his daughter Celia and son Cameron, his father, Roger Rusch, his step mom, Leila Rusch and siblings, Paul and Katherine.