Verden "Rusty" J. Rousseau, 83, of 106 Morgan St., Ilion, died Saturday, Jan. 8, 2005, at St. Elizabeth Medical Center, Utica. He was born Dec. 14, 1921, in Malone, N.Y., the son of Brayno and Margaret (Reome) Rousseau, and attended Malone schools. Verden was a veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Army. On Aug. 12, 1944, he was married to Eleanor LaPoint in Ilion. At one time, Mr. Rousseau was employed as a machinist at Sperry Rand Univac, Ilion, for over 15 years. He later worked as a machinist at Remington Arms Co., Ilion, for 12 years, retiring in 1982. Verden served in the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) at Paul Smith and was a member of the Frankfort Young at Heart Club. Rusty also played in country and western bands in Malone and the Mohawk Valley for many years. Survivors include his wife, Eleanor "Ella;" his daughter and son-in-law, Sally and Frank Manno Sr. of Ilion; two grandchildren, Frank Manno Jr. and Shawna Manno of Ilion; three great-grandchildren, Scott Bicknell, Brandon and Eric Wells; his sister, Helen LaMondie of Ilion; his niece, Peggy Leonis and his nephew, Karl LaMondie. He was predeceased by his son, Richard, in 1945, his brother, Richard A. Rousseau, who was killed in action during World War II In Epinaule, France, and his nephew, David LaMondie. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 12, at the Applegate and Day Funeral Home, 102 West St., Ilion, with Father Anthony Barratt, pastor of the Church of the Annunciation, officiating. Interment will be in Armory Hill Cemetery, Ilion. Calling hours are Tuesday, Jan. 11, from 4-7 p.m. at the funeral home. All funeral and burial arrangements were entrusted to Don Applegate at Applegate and Day Funeral Home, Ilion (895-7722). For directions to the funeral home, click the facilities link above.