Henry Rust, a devoted family man, beloved husband, adored father and grandfather passed away on January 4th, 2025, at Kendal At Longwood. He was 87.
Born to Philip G Rust and Eleanor duPont Rust in 1937, Henry pursued an educational path that blended technical and creative pursuits. He attended the Hill School and Tower Hill School before earning a mechanical engineering degree from Duke University. Henry served three years in the army stationed in Baumholder, Germany. Later, he expanded his artistic horizons by studying at the Philadelphia College of Art.
Professionally, he worked at Wilmington Trust for 20 years and was actively involved in community service, contributing to boards such as Minquedale Home (now Gilpin Hall) and the Children’s Beach House in Lewes, Delaware for 25 years.
In 1966, Henry met Joan DiSabatino, whom he immediately recognized as the love of his life. They married in 1967, beginning a lifelong partnership. His diverse interests included classical music, scuba diving, automobiles, travel, outdoor activities, New York Times crossword puzzles, mathematical problems and reading. If the family couldn’t locate him, he’d be in his art studio or he’d be outdoors removing invasive vines and plants from the area around the house. Despite being a prolific painter, Henry was notably private about his artwork and only showed his mind-bending paintings to his family.
Henry was remembered for his considerate nature and gentlemanly demeanor. He is survived by his beloved wife, Joan; daughters Missy Rust and Tabitha Rust Bradley (son-in-law Frank William Bradley, Jr.) and his grandchildren: Zoë Leonard, Jacob Bradley, and Everett Bradley.
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