Paul J. Ruzbasan

Paul J. Ruzbasan of Torrington passed away peacefully in the presence of his loving family on April 7, 2014 at the age of 92. He was the son of the late Andrew Ruzbasan and Mary Killiany of Torrington.

Paul was born in Torrington in 1922 and was a life-long Torrington resident. During World War II, from 1941-1943, he worked as a machinist at the Hendey Machine Company in Torrington while serving as a Private in the Litchfield Light Horse Cavalry of the Connecticut State Guard. In 1943, Paul joined the famous 10 ^th Mountain Division (“Ski Troops”), and participated in very heavy fighting in the Battles of the North Apennines and Po Valley in Northern Italy. On April 15, 1945, during the final offensive in Italy, he became the most decorated WWII veteran in Torrington history. Alone on a scouting mission, Paul came upon several camouflaged enemy bunkers. Single handed, he quickly attacked each bunker in succession, capturing 20 German soldiers, and saving the lives of his comrades. For his heroism, he was promoted to Sergeant and was personally decorated with two Bronze Stars by the 5 ^th Army Commander, General Mark Clark.

After WWII, Paul returned to Torrington. Then, he and his family resided in Litchfield for fifteen years before moving to his permanent residence in Torrington in 1967. Paul worked as a Machinist Class A in the Plume and Atwood Brass Mill in Thomaston for 27 years, retiring in 1981. Paul was a member of the Torrington Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks Lodge 372 for 49 years. He was also a member of the United Mine, Mill Smelter Workers Union, the United Steel Workers Union, and American Veterans’ Post 24. Paul proudly served as the Honorary Parade Marshal for the Torrington Memorial Day Parade in 2012.

He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Eda DeGrandis, and his four children: Jean Eichner wife of John D. Eichner, Paula D’Andrea, Gail Kowalski, and Gary Ruzbasan. He also leaves seven grandchildren and nine great grandchildren all of whom he adored and was very proud.  He also leaves a brother, Edward (Al) Ruzbasan as well as numerous nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by his brothers, John, Joseph, Andrew, and Stephen Ruzbasan, and his sisters, Margaret Mottola and Anne Corey.

Calling hours will be Friday, April 11, from 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.  at Cook Funeral Home, 82 Litchfield Street, Torrington. An 11:00 Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Francis Church, 160 Main Street, Torrington, with burial immediately following at St. Peter’s Cemetery, 236 East Pearl Road, Torrington with final military honors accorded.

In lieu of flowers, friends may donate to: (AMVETS) American Veteran’s Post 24, P.O. Box 362, Torrington, CT, 06790; or the Veterans Service Office/Museum, 140 Main Street, Torrington, CT, 06790.  Condolences may be sent to the Ruzbasan family by visiting www.cookfuneralhomect.com