John Franklin DeRusso Obituary

Our beloved John "Jack" passed peacefully in his sleep and into the arms of his Guardian Angel who delivered him to Heaven to be with The Lord on Jesus Birthday, December 25, 2023.

Jack attended private all-boys boarding school for most of his high school years, including a Christian high school. We are forever grateful that he was given this rare and timely blessing as he diligently read, learned, and embraced the teachings of the Bible and the Lord. During his high school years, he earned accolades such as Dean's List and Certificate of Achievement Award. Working hard in high school to achieve his goal, he was accepted into Penn State University. He first decided to take a gap year in order to fulfill his long awaited desire of a journey in exploration traveling to favored places in the United States. He eventually landed in sunny California, loved it, and established himself in Hollywood, CA. He attended college there and performed extremely well academically with interests in Business and Pre-Law while also working an Internet based job. His future goal was to transfer to UCLA. Jack had a unique talent, mind, and intuitive understanding of the Internet and computers. He loved working IT and was a problem-solving dynamo.

He was fearless. A true "country boy", Jack grew up in Leesburg with much love in his heart for family and all animals while spending much of his childhood growing up at his grandparents' farm with his farm "pets& ; of which he individually named and adored: Cows, goats, sheep, chickens, dogs, cats, rabbits and many other "critters". He cherished these many special times and memories spent with his grandparents, Franklin DeRusso MD and Dolores DeRusso. Jack resided in the nearby Historic District of Leesburg with his parents, Matthew and Deanna
DeRusso-Short and his brother, Joshua. As well, Jack spent most every summer and many holidays with family at the beach in his grandparents' home on Jupiter Island, Florida. Loving the beach and nearby nature preserve, he spent his time witnessing the "tropical" variety of findings available on The Island: Enormous Sea Turtles migrating up the beach at midnight to lay their eggs, huge crabs, armadillos, salamanders and lizards. His favorite times were spent fishing and on the water. As well, he very much enjoyed visiting his numerous relatives residing in Illinois.

Artistic and creative, his very young childhood was rife with assembly of any and all advanced Lego creations. Jack also created numerous detailed mini clay figurines solely from his imagination. He built life-sized paper guns from photos. As he got older, he became very extroverted, seeking friends while enjoying movies and music only surpassed by his great fascination for cars and engines. Having purchased several older BMW's over the past few years and in order to maintain them properly, Jack whole-heartedly researched the engine and mechanics of these cars as he successfully endeavored self-repair of his vehicles. He loved driving to the top of "The Hollywood Hills" of LA, to quietly and peacefully look down upon the city and reflect atop his beloved Bimmer.

Jack's smile was infectious. His true friends detailed that he was exceptionally loving and, "Always had your back". He was described as having a unique and deeply loving, trusting, kind and giving heart that rarely is seen. He was loved by all who truly knew him. He always had a smile and a silver lining of hope and positivity no matter what negative event occurred. Jack was rarely depressed more than a couple hours before he would quickly snap back to his happy, carefree self and move forward with hope and happiness. It was truly inspiring.

It was so important to Jack to always support and encourage others. During high school, he created a weekly Donation Drive Blog for a local Charity in order to assist youth, and teens in need just weeks after the Covid Pandemic began. It does not seem a big deal now, but he was
a maverick back then with his own ideals and motivation as he dedicated himself to others in need just weeks when Covid was upon us--a time when so many were frightened to step out as if the world was coming to an end. His private high school was proud of him for his thoughtfulness. Please read his description on Jack's Blog as he set up his food and supply drive to help those in need (Jackderusso.wordpress.com).

EVERY adult that ever met Jack remarked how wonderfully respectful and sweet he was. He attended his elementary school years at a Christian school. It was there that the headmaster strongly felt, "Jack will be a strong leader one day". Jack spoke or texted with family every day. His family enjoyed his funny stories, memes, and shared daily events and inspirations with us. He ended most conversations with heart emojis, expressions of appreciation and gratefulness to his parents for all they did for him and with the words, "I love you". Jack was a deeply loving
soul who touched so many hearts. Although a brief 19 years we were given with him, we are certain that he lived his life to the fullest and with much happiness. Forevermore, Jack will be surrounded with happiness and boundless love from Our Lord and alongside his most beloved
and best buddy, his Grandfather, Franklin DeRusso.