The Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown is mourning the passing of a Senior Priest.
Reverend Robert L. Ruston passed on November 29, 2025, at Garvey Manor Nursing Home in Hollidaysburg following an extended illness.
Born on August 6, 1949, in Altoona, the son of the late Lawrence and Adelaide (Harris) Ruston, he attended Saint Mary Catholic School in Altoona, Bishop Guilfoyle Catholic High School in Altoona, and Saint Francis College and Seminary in Loretto.
He was ordained a priest of the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown on May 8, 1976.
Among his early assignments were Associate Pastor at Saint Patrick Parish in Johnstown, Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in Johnstown, and Saint Benedict Parish in Johnstown.
Father Ruston was Pastor of Saint Agnes Parish in Cassandra and Saint Bartholomew Parish in Wilmore from 1988 until 2001.
In 2001, he was appointed Pastor of Saints Gregory and Barnabas Parish in Johnstown, an assignment he held until his retirement.
A Reception of The Body will be held on December 3, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Saint Mary (Immaculate Conception) Parish in Altoona followed by visitation from 3:00-7:00 p.m. at Saint Mary.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated on December 4 at 11:00 a.m. at Saint Mary Parish in Altoona with the Most Rev. Mark L. Bartchak as celebrant.
