David John Rucinski

David John Rucinski, 79, of Plymouth, Michigan, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family, on February 9, 2026.

Dave was born on June 13, 1946, in Springfield, Massachusetts, to John and Winifred (Keenan) Rucinski. He graduated from Cathedral High School in 1964, then went on to University of Detroit, earning a degree in Mechanical Engineering, and Michigan State University, earning a Master’s in Business Administration. He had a successful 40-year sales and operations leadership career in the Automotive OEM industry. His integrity, resourcefulness, relationship-building ability, and creative thinking were hallmarks of his success.

Dave married Sharon (Torrie), his wife of 56 years, on January 17, 1970, at St. Scholastica in Detroit, Michigan. They met at a U of D dance while Sharon was a senior in High School and quickly knew that they had both found “the one”. She even took him to her senior prom! After getting married they bought their first house in Plymouth, and eventually had their son, Kevin. A few years later, they built their dream home in Hough Park and brought home their daughter, Anne. They quickly became rooted with many friends in the neighborhood and community that would become family over the years. Wherever, you saw Dave and Sharon walking, whether around their beloved Plymouth or elsewhere, guaranteed they were holding hands. Theirs was a “true love affair”.

Dave’s five grandchildren were all his favorite. They made so many wonderful memories, making pancakes in the morning after sleepovers, going to “Mike’s” (Dairy King) for ice cream, and playing by the fountain in downtown Plymouth. He loved being a “Papa” and was so proud of each of them. He never missed an important event for his children or grandchildren, whether it be a game, recital, concert, school program, etc. Dave was a family man in every way.

Dave loved spending time outdoors. He developed a passion for fishing at a young age, when his mother would take him out fishing at the pond. He also loved to golf, travel, and of course helping Sharon in the garden.

Friends were important to Dave. He truly cared about their wellbeing, empathized in both their challenges and successes; providing a listening ear when needed. He loved setting up golf dates and outings. He enjoyed the laughter, camaraderie and love good friendships create.

Dave had a wonderful quality of kind communication with the sick and elderly, exemplified by his volunteer work with Meals-On-Wheels and taking Holy Communion to the sick and homebound. He was always helping others and continued to do so to the very end. He treated everyone with respect whether he knew them or not. His love for God, his family, friends, and Plymouth community never wavered.

In addition to his wife, Sharon, Dave is survived by his son Kevin (Amanda) Rucinski of Huntington Woods, MI; his daughter Anne (Ken) Laurain of Canton, MI; his five grandchildren, Matthew, Ryan, and Susie Rucinski, Jack and Ben Laurain; his sisters Betsy Burke and Susan (Larry) Rollins; sister-in-law Paulette Rucinski; nephews Mark (Stephanie) and Stephen (Jennifer), and niece Stacey.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents John and Winifred Rucinski; his brother Donald Rucinski; Mother and Father-in-law Angus and Mary Torrie; and sister-in-law Dorothy Torrie.

The family would like to express thanks to the many families, friends, neighbors, nurses, and health care aids that helped them through this difficult journey.

Visitation will be held on Monday, February 16th from 3pm to 8pm at Schrader-Howell Funeral Home in Plymouth, MI. Memorial service will take place at St. Kenneth Catholic Church in Plymouth, MI, on Tuesday, February 17th - Visitation at Church at 11:00 A.M. until the time of the Memorial Mass at 11:30am.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Dave’s memory may be directed to Angela Hospice Care Center, 14100 Newburgh Road, Livonia, Michigan 48154 or online at the link below; or ALS of Michigan, 24359 Northwestern Highway, Southfield, Michigan 48075 or online at: ALS of Michigan 

Contribution envelopes will be available at the Funeral Home.