William Henry Rusler

William H. “Billy” Rusler, 74, of Aurora passed away April 23rd, 2026 after a short but hard fought battle with AML, an aggressive form of leukemia. Born April 14th, 1952 to Eleanor and P.W. “Bill” Rusler in Vineland, CO. The oldest of five, he became a natural leader, a friend when his siblings needed a shoulder to lean on and a mentor when they needed a push. He carried this leadership to an illustrious sports career, lettering in Football, Basketball, and Baseball at Pueblo County High School. He received an academic scholarship to Western State College in Gunnison where he went from a 7th string walk-on to the starting quarterback in 3 short years. He etched his name in Colorado lore by scoring 5 touchdowns against Southern Colorado State College (now CSU Pueblo). Sadly, he suffered a career ending knee injury the following week against UNC in Greely. Like he had before, and like he would time and time again, he faced a challenge by pivoting to the next chapter. Shortly after being in a cast for months and several more months of rehab, he would graduate from Western State with a bachelor in business and meet the love of his life Carol Borzileri of Bessemer, CO. Billy and Carol shared a love of dancing, great restaurants, traveling for sporting events, and Carol’s world class cooking. An early dating highlight was traveling via bus to New Orleans with a group filled with Orange Crush Fever. They were all going to see the Broncos play in the Superdome for their first Super Bowl. After a brisk 7 years of courtship, they were married in 1980 and welcomed Aubrey Michael Rusler, their first son, one year later. Three years after Aubrey, Ryan Matthew was born, and the family was finally complete. Feeling they were outgrowing the small town, Billy and Carol packed up and moved to Aurora, CO. Minus a short stint in Denver, they would call Aurora home for the remainder of Billy’s years. Although in his younger years his athletic star shined brightest, his older years are where his brilliant mind and unmatched work ethic took over. He climbed the corporate ladder at every level of his career. He found most of his success moving from a phone rep to managing an engineering team over 21 years at Echostar/Dish Network. In his free time he loved to hike with whoever would go, taking in an occasional yoga class, and exploring Eastern Medicine. In recent years Billy and Carol took up the hobby of growing grapes in their backyard. He loved jarring the beautiful concord grapes into jam with Carol. He would rather be at home on the deck with Carol, admiring the grape vines with a glass of lemonade than anything. Carol was the love of his life, and his last words to Carol were, "will you be my girlfriend?"

As a devoted father, his boys would become his greatest achievement and ultimately his best friends. He never missed a practice, a pickup, a game, or a life moment. He never coached from the stands either; he knew his presence was enough. Both boys inherited his baritone voice. Aubrey inherited his looks and his unbridled sense of excitement at the most mundane things. Ryan inherited his athletic ability and his calming presence. In recent years he became a grandfather. Papa Billy enjoyed spending precious time with Wyatt and Lola.

He was the greatest listener we ever knew and his infectious laugh would light up a room.

He is survived by his wife Carol Ann, Son Aubrey of Jersey City, NJ (Spouse Jill Balzano), Son Ryan of Oakland CA (Spouse Courtney), Grandson Wyatt 4 yrs. Granddaughter Lola 5 mnths.

Also survived by Aunt Marilou Pisciotta, Brothers Tom (Lynn), Bob (Maryann), Brian (Rhonda), and Sister Rosanne (Sean) Foster. Including several cousins, nieces, nephews, grand nieces, and grand nephews.

He is preceded in death by mother Eleanor, father Bill, mother-in-law Kate Borzileri, and father-in-law Sam Borzileri.

Celebration of Life Details: Friday, May 8th / Our Lady of Loreto Catholic Church / 18000 E Arapahoe Rd, Aurora, CO 80016.

10:00 am - Public Viewing

10:30 am - Catholic Mass

11:30 am - 1:00 pm - Reception - Same location (upstairs)

Any gifts or cards can be sent directly to Horan & McConaty Funeral Home at 11150 East Dartmouth Avenue, Aurora, CO 80014, and they will be forwarded to the family.