Marvin E. Rust

Fort Jackson- Mr. Marvin E. Rust, 66 passed away unexpectedly, November 16, 2012 at the Canton-Potsdam Hospital surrounded by the love and comfort of his family. Arrangements have been entrusted to Hammill Funeral Home in Winthrop.  Marvin was born on July 29, 1946 in Massena, son of the late Gordon and Viola (Fredenburg) Rust. He graduated from St. Lawrence Central School in 1965. Marvin earned his Bachelor’s in Physical Education from the University of Alabama in 1969; he then received his Masters Degree in Education from SUNY at Potsdam. He married Carol A. Pondysh on March 27, 1970, which ended in divorce in 1995. Carol passed away July 9, 2012. On February 1, 2001 he married Deborah J. Tharrett in Fort Jackson. Marvin was a General A Certified Contractor in the State of Florida, where he also taught vocational carpentry and operated Rust Craftbuilders. He was a Physical Education Teacher for 6 years, and also devoted his time as a coach for wrestling, football and track. He retired from the Village of Potsdam, where he was the Code Enforcement Officer. He also served his community as Town of Hopkinton Supervisor and Councilman. Marvin was a generous man; always looking out for others in his job or position as Supervisor and Councilman or just out offering fellowship and ministry to the ill. He was devoted to his family and friends with a never-ending love for his grandchildren. In the 60’s, Marvin was a member of “The Frantics”; where he played guitar. He enjoyed writing his own music and took pleasure in woodworking. He was a proud member of the University of Alabama Alumni. Marvin was named “Mr. Alabama” for weightlifting and was also a “walk-on” for football coach Bear Bryant. Marvin was never shy of his Crimson Tide pride. He was a member of the Northern Adirondack Code Enforcement Assoc., St. Lawrence County Code Enforcement Assoc., and the VFW Men’s Auxiliary in Canton, serving as Secretary. Marvin is survived by his wife Deborah; children, Ryan and Summer Rust of Tuscaloosa, AL, Tonia and Chuck Phippen of Hopkinton, Becki and Jason Despaw of Winthrop, and Melissa and Brett Atwood of Saratoga Springs, UT; four brothers and sisters in law, Doyle and Mary Rust of Weeki Wachee, FL, Eldred and Carol Rust of Lyons, Lowell and Linda Rust of Caledonia, and David and Theresa Rust of SC; one sister and brother in law, Hazel and Chuck Philipps of FL; one sister in law, Emily Rust of Winthrop; eight grandchildren, Cassidy, Luke, and Jake Phippen, Rett Rust, Halleigh and Peyton Despaw, and Kaytlyn and Justin Atwood; mother and father in law, James and Patricia Tharrett of Nicholville; brothers and sisters in law, Gary and Cathy Tharrett of Winthrop, David and Patricia Tharrett of Potsdam, James and Sue Tharrett of Rochester, Michelle and James Brockway of St. Regis Falls, and Wayne and Sandi Tharrett of , Grosse Ile, MI; several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by two brothers, M. Thomas Rust and Ronald G. Rust and two sisters, Shirley Rust and Sharon LaLonde. Visitation will be Monday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 at the Hammill Funeral Home in Winthrop. Marvin’s Funeral Service and Celebration of Life will be Tuesday at 11 am at the Knapps Station Community Church, with Rev. Lee Sweeney officiating. Burial will follow at Mound Hill Cemetery in Nicholville. Flowers are gratefully declined; those wishing to express an act of kindness please consider donations in his memory to the: Fort Jackson Park Restoration Fund, Tri Town Rescue Squad, St. Lawrence-Lewis BOCES Vocational Program or the Hopkinton-Ft. Jackson Summer Festival Committee. Memories and condolences can be shared with Marvin’s family at www.hammillfh.com.