Sime "Sam" Rusin of Port Orange, Florida, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, in Daytona Beach, Florida.

Sam, known by many as "New York Sam", was born July 20, 1961 to John and Anna Rusin in Astoria, New York. He was the younger sibling of his sister, Angela Coe. His parents and sister preceded him in death.

At the age of 11, after stealing her sweater, Sam met his future wife, Michele. Sam and Michele married on August 29, 1982, in New York City. In 1984, they moved to Georgia, and established their home in Mableton. It was in Mableton that they raised their family, having two sons; Michael and John. Sam and Michele's lives were entirely intertwined after being together for more than 50 years.

A tradesman in every sense of the word, Sam became a small business owner in the gutter and roofing industry. After working as a general contractor for decades in the Atlanta area, Sam worked as a traveling construction superintendent for several large construction companies in his later years. Sam was a jack of all trades and master of most. From ground up construction of both residential and commercial structures, to building heirloom furniture, changing brakes, or rebuilding a carburetor, Sam could do it all. He was uniquely gifted with the ability to turn an idea into a reality.

Sam was a man set firmly in his principal. Stubborn at times, but never unwilling to offer help to someone in need. He had a big heart and was very generous with both his time and resources. Sam was a curator of hole in the wall establishments. He loved his "spots" and they all loved him. He was a larger-than-life character, and those who knew him heard a lot of tales about his many exploits all over the country. Sam loved Harley Davidson motorcycles, drawn to the crowds of Bike Week and the joys of riding along the coast of Daytona Beach. He especially loved riding alongside his wife and two sons, to whom he passed his love of motorcycles after teaching them all how to ride their own bikes.

In 2016, Sam and Michele moved their home to Port Orange, Florida, to retire at their "Place by the Sea". In his final years, Sam's most exciting purpose was being "Papa" to his four beautiful grandchildren.

In 2022, Sam was diagnosed with cancer. After years of fighting, Sam was deemed cancer free, but ultimately succumbed to complications from the very aggressive nature of his treatment.

Sam loved his family more than anything and leaves behind those who loved him and honor his memory, Michele Rusin (Lindsay), his wife of 42 years; his children, Michael Rusin (and wife, Courtney), John Rusin (and wife, Felicia); his nephew John Karvay (and wife, Kerri). He will be greatly remembered by his four grandchildren, (Michael) Samuel and Charlotte, (John) Annie and Laura.

In accordance with Sam's wishes, he will be cremated, and the family welcomes his friends to join in a Celebration of Life on his birthday, July 20th at his favorite "spot" – First Turn in Port Orange, Florida from 1 to 4pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made in his name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, a cause very close to his heart in his final years.