Robert M. Chrusz, 72, of Boston, formerly of Belmont, died peacefully April 16, 2018 after living courageously with Multiple Sclerosis for over 30 years. Beloved father of Lauren (Chrusz) Leahy and Stephanie (Chrusz) Hannus. Brother of Mark E., Philip M. and the late Kevin J. Chrusz. Beloved son of the late Joseph M. and Eileen R. Chrusz. Loving grandfather of Alexander, Caroline and Anna Leahy and Maya and Mikko Hannus. Proud father-in-law of Stephen G. Leahy and Ryan R. Hannus. Also survived by 4 nieces and a nephew.
Bob was a passionate educator. He began his career in the Newton Public Schools in 1968. In 1985 he was named the Director of Athletics and Wellness at Newton South High School, where he stayed until his retirement in 2003. Bob was a wellness program innovator, believing that the concept of wellness and healthy life style was a critical component of overall education among developing youth. His wellness ideas became part of the educational process city-wide, and in many other school systems in Massachusetts and nationally.
He served as President of the Massachusetts Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (MAHPERD) and President of the Gridiron Club of Greater Boston, was a member of the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) and the Association of New England Football Officials. Bob has received numerous awards and recognitions from his peers, including the Honor Award (1979) and the Joseph McKenney Award (1989) from MAHPERD, the Joseph E. Young Distinguished Service Award from the MIAA (2001), the Distinguished Alumni Award from the Belmont High School Athletic Hall of Fame (2002), and the E. Van Seasholes Award from Newton South High School (2016). The Robert Chrusz Dual County League Sportsmanship Award has been established in Bob’s honor, and Newton South has established the Robert Chrusz Invitational Track Meet.
Funeral from the Brown & Hickey Funeral Home 36 Trapelo Road Belmont on Saturday April 21 at 8:00 AM. Followed by a funeral mass in St Luke’s Church 132 Lexington Street Belmont at 9:00 AM. Relatives and friends invited. Visiting hours Friday from 4:00 - 8:00 PM. Interment Belmont Cemetery, Belmont. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to The Boston Home at 2049 Dorchester Avenue, Boston, MA 02124.
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