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Rev. William “Bill” Paul Ruskoski Jr.

Reverend William “Bill” Paul Ruskoski Jr., retired and beloved priest of the Diocese of Lafayette, passed away peacefully in his easy chair at his home in Franklin on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2019.
News of his unexpected death has been greeted with great sadness by the faithful throughout the diocese.
Father Bill, as he was affectionately known, was a native of Franklin and a graduate of Hanson Memorial School. Following high school he went on to receive his bachelor’s degree in speech and English education at USL in 1970.
He was ordained to the priesthood on Sept. 14, 1974, and continued his education, receiving his Masters of Divinity from Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans in 1976.
Father Bill had numerous ministerial assignments throughout the Diocese of Lafayette over his 45 years of priestly ministry, including St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rayne between 2002 until 2012.
From as far west as Lake Charles, north as Arnaudville, and south as his hometown of Franklin, Father Bill preached of the love and mercy of Jesus Christ to the many parishioners he served and truly lived his life with a heart fashioned by the Lord. He never failed to greet everyone with a great big smile and a big Fr. Bill hug.
Most importantly he always made sure to tell you that he loved you. Hebrews 7:17 says, For it is testified: “You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.”
He loved his calling to the priesthood and never shied away from spreading the Catholic faith. He will be missed beyond measure.
Survivors include his niece and godchild, Marie Longman Cole and husband David; great nieces, Christine Cole Andrus and husband Jarrod and their children, Mason, Emma, and Luke, and Chandler Cole Viator and husband Dusty; as well as numerous Haydel and Ruskoski cousins, family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, William Paul Ruskoski Sr.; his mother, Inez McBride Ruskoski; and his sister, Nikki Anne Ruskoski.
Funeral services will be celebrated on Thursday, Dec. 12, at the Church of the Assumption in Franklin during a noon Mass of Christian Burial, with the Most Reverend Douglas Deshotel, Bishop of the Diocese of Lafayette, as the principal celebrant for the Mass and Father Buddy Breaux as the homilist.
Readers for the Mass will be his cousin Robyn Boudreaux and friend Diane Wiltz. Gift Bearers will be his godchildren Yvette Lancon Broussard and Amanda Ibert Hague and his cousin Toni Haydel Young. Musical selections will be provided by Clay Boudreaux and his cousin Ann Haydel Trahan.
Following the Mass, Fr. Bill will be laid to rest at the Church of the Assumption Cemetery.
The family requests visiting hours be observed at the Church of the Assumption on Wednesday, Dec. 11, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. Father Clint Trahan will preside over the Vigil Service and Rosary at 6:30 p.m. Visitation will resume Thursday, Dec. 12, at 9 a.m. until Mass time at noon.
Serving as pallbearers will be parishioners from past church parishes, Ronnie Ruskoski, Neal Landry, Rusty Stutes, Ashton Mouton, Phillip Zaunbrecher, John Ray Taylor and Carlton Herpin.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Ibert’s Mortuary to assist with funeral expenses.
Family and friends may view the obituary and express their condolences online by visiting www.iberts.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Ibert’s Mortuary, Inc., 1007 Main St.t, Franklin, (337) 828-5426.

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