Bob Rushnak started a career in education and administration that spanned more than 40 years.  He began in the CYO Day Camps as an instructor, then camp director. Graduating from Seton Hall University, South Orange, he organized and supervised all CYO parish athletic activities and special events in every parish in Hudson County for four years. He continued his education, obtaining a master’s degree from Montclair State University, Montclair, and later completed his degree in administration & supervision from Kean University.

Rushnak spent 12 years as teacher, coach and athletic director at Marist High School, Bayonne, a parochial high school run by the Marist teaching brothers.  He then moved to Spotswood High School, working as the school’s first athletic director and teacher of health and physical education with special aptitude in adventure and experiential education. During his teaching career, he received many teaching awards including the NJ Governor’s Recognition Award in 1989 and again in 1993; the A Plus for Teachers Award in 1992; the Willie Unsole Adventure Award in 2001, and was recipient of the Colorado Outward Bound Grant in 1989. He was nominated several times by his students to have his biography in Who’s Who Among America’s teachers. He was director of the Adult and Community School in Spotswood for several years, advisor for SADD, Environmental Club, Adventure Club and moderator of school yearbook.  Upon retirement he joined Kean University as an adjunct professor of physical education as supervisor of pre-professionals and teaching activity and academic classes, while offering effective strategies in teaching.

Rushnak is a member of the Hopewell Council, Knights of Columbus, is a past Grand Knight, and Knight of the Year in 2016. He was instrumental in starting the Annual Knights of Columbus Golf Outing, Martin House Christmas Gift Giving Program, Alzheimer Fund and Annual Shield Awards, honoring a police officer, firefighter and EMT from Pennington, Hopewell and Titusville. He is active with preparing the Mass that is celebrated in memory of deceased Knights and organizing a pro-life baby shower. He was also the Knights’ state chairman for Habitat for Humanity.

In his Wellington Manor community, Rushnak served on several committees and was elected to three consecutive terms on the board of trustees. 

In St. George Parish, Rushnak is a member of the facilities team, assisting on building and grounds work. He also cooks at the annual Lord’s Table event, assists with cooking at the parish picnic, is a member of the parish council and an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion.