Thomas Clifford Ruscica

A Life Beautifully Lived
Thomas Clifford Ruscica ("Tommy"), age 72, of Manhattan, New York, passed away on July 18, 2026. Born on December 15, 1953, in Brooklyn, New York, Tommy lived a life defined by creativity, laughter, curiosity, and an extraordinary ability to connect with people. He leaves behind a legacy of artistry, lifelong friendships, unforgettable experiences, and a remarkable gift for making every person he met feel seen, welcomed, and valued.

Born to Esther Weinrit and raised in Brooklyn, Tommy's artistic talents were evident from an early age. He attended the High School of Art & Design in Manhattan, where he studied alongside future creative luminaries, including renowned photographer Steven Meisel. Drawn to illustration, photography, fashion, and design, Tommy eventually discovered his true artistic expression through hairstyling, where his creativity, technical skill, and eye for beauty became his life's work.

Tommy's career was a reflection of his determination, resilience, and unwavering belief in hard work. Largely self-taught, he refined his craft through relentless dedication, natural talent, and an insatiable desire to learn. Under the mentorship of legendary hairstylist Garren, Tommy's remarkable abilities flourished, launching a career that would span more than four decades at the highest levels of fashion and men's grooming. Through T. Ruscica Designs, Tommy established himself as one of the industry's most respected men's hairstylists, collaborating with celebrated photographers including Steven Klein, Peter Lindbergh, David LaChapelle, Matthew Rolston, and Francesco Scavullo. His artistry appeared in campaigns for Ermenegildo Zegna, Givenchy, Gucci, Oscar de la Renta, Valentino, Bergdorf Goodman, Bloomingdale's, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, and many other iconic fashion houses. Tommy never measured success by recognition alone, but by continually perfecting his craft and bringing confidence, individuality, and style to every person he worked with.
What truly set Tommy apart, however, was not his remarkable career but the extraordinary way he lived. Everything with Tommy was an experience, and every experience was a celebration. He approached life with unmistakable zest, boundless enthusiasm, and an infectious joie de vivre that transformed ordinary moments into unforgettable memories. Tommy only had one speed—high octane. Whether gathering friends around an incredible meal, discovering a hidden café in a new city, exploring somewhere new, attending the theater, dancing, watching a great
film, or simply sharing coffee and conversation, he infused every moment with energy, laughter, and genuine joy. Tommy didn't simply live life—he celebrated it, and he invited everyone around him to celebrate it with him.

He never met a stranger. Within minutes of meeting someone, Tommy would know their life story—not because he simply loved to talk, but because he was endlessly fascinated by people and genuinely cared about them. His roaring laugh, impeccable sense of style, quick wit, and familiar expressions—"Let me tell ya somethin'..." and "Have you ever in your whole...?"—became part of the soundtrack of countless cherished memories. He was an entertainer in the truest sense, not because he sought attention, but because he delighted in making people laugh, feel comfortable, and experience the joy he found in everyday life. Tommy was a devoted son, a proud uncle, a selfless friend, and a steadfast source of encouragement to so many. He lived an extraordinary life, but perhaps his greatest accomplishment was making the lives of others richer simply because they knew him.

Among Tommy's greatest joys was the life he shared for twenty-five years with his beloved partner, Stephen Mitchell. Together they built a life defined by adventure, creativity, unwavering support, and unconditional love. Tommy was not only Stephen's partner, but also his closest friend, greatest champion, and constant source of laughter. He taught Stephen to laugh harder, to see the world through a more colorful lens, to embrace beauty in everyday life, and to believe wholeheartedly in himself and his dreams. Together they built a successful creative business, transforming a shared dream into a reality that was one of Tommy's proudest accomplishments. Their partnership was rooted in mutual admiration, resilience, and the joy of creating a meaningful life together—a love story that spanned twenty-five remarkable years.

Tommy is survived by his beloved partner, Stephen Mitchell; his sister, Barbara Gualtieri; his niece, Tara Mendelson; his great-nephew, Jacob Mendelson; his great-niece, Sacha Mendelson; along with his loving extended family and an extraordinary circle of cherished friends, colleagues, clients, and loved ones who became family through the love, laughter, and experiences they shared with him.
Celebration of Life
Friends and family are invited to gather to celebrate Tommy's remarkable life.
Memorial service details to be announced.
In Lieu of Flowers
The family kindly requests that memorial donations be made in Tommy's memory to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, pulmonaryfibrosis.org supporting research, education, advocacy, and hope for those affected by pulmonary fibrosis.
For those who never had the privilege of knowing Tommy, we hope this glimpse into his life leaves you wishing you had. For those who did, we hope it brings a smile, a laugh, and memories of the countless experiences you shared together.
Tommy believed life was meant to be celebrated, and there is no greater tribute than carrying his joy, generosity, curiosity, and boundless zest for life forward in our own.
Some people pass through this world. Tommy truly lived in it—and because of him, so did the rest of us.

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