Steven W. Rust

 Steven Rust, 62, of Milford, Delaware, was called home to be with the Lord on May 27, 2025, surrounded by those he loved most — a fitting end for a man who built his life around faith, family, and service.

Born on May 22, 1963, in Milford to Harvey and Doris Rust, Steve was the kind of man who could fix anything, build everything, and somehow make you laugh while doing both. His dry wit was legendary — the kind that might sneak up on you mid-conversation and leave you chuckling hours later.

Steve dedicated 28 years of his life to the Milford Police Department, where he served with quiet strength, integrity, and a deep sense of duty. After retiring his badge, he took his heart for service to the classroom, teaching at Sussex Technical High School for the last 11 years. His students brought him great joy and he impacted their lives in countless ways.

Steve’s proudest role was that of husband, father, and PopPop. He is survived by his wife of 42 years and the love of his life, Cindy, who he adored and built just about everything for — furniture, memories, and a family rooted in love. Steve also leaves behind his children, Stephen Rust (Julia), Ema-Leigh Mashburn (Joey), and Anastasia Patone (Mat) who all carry forward his kindness and grit; his six beloved grandchildren: Bryant (17), Ben (4), Oliver (2), Addison (2), Cameron (2), and little Eloise (2 months), each of whom knew him as the world’s best "PopPop"; and his sister, Cora Downes (David).

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Harvey and Doris, his step-mother, Jeannie, and his brother Eugene — no doubt already reunited in Heaven, where the fishing is great and the tools are always sharp.

When Steve wasn’t serving his community or lending a hand (or two) to anyone who needed it, he was most often found in his workshop — sanding, carving, and whittling wood into toys, trinkets, furniture, and figurines. He loved to sketch and had a particular talent for barns, but in recent years, it was his grandchildren’s favorite superheroes and monster trucks that filled his sketchbooks. He was a master craftsman, a quiet encourager, a reliable fixer-of-all-things, and a man who knew that love often looked like being there — toolbelt on, sleeves rolled up.

He was also a man of deep and steady faith. He walked humbly with God, read His word, and loved well — not with grand speeches, but with daily acts of service and presence. He will be dearly missed and joyfully remembered.

A visitation will be held on Monday, June 2, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. at the Berry-Short Funeral Home, 119 N.W. Front Street, Milford, DE 19963, with a service to follow at 1:00 p.m., officiated by Pastor Lou Pisapia.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the First Responders Children’s Foundation: by mail: 38 East 32nd Street, Suite 602, New York, NY 10016 or by phone: (402)218-1234 or by email: contact@firstrespondresfoundation.org or online at https://1strcf.org/make-a-donation/

As we celebrate Steve’s life and legacy, we rest in the promise of his eternal peace, knowing that the same hands that crafted so many beautiful things on earth are now held in the hands of the Creator.

“Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your Lord.” — Matthew 25:23