Ciro J. Rustici entered this world on August 1, 1948, the first of six children, born to Anthony and Celestine (Brugaletta) Rustici. He peacefully passed on June 17, 2023, at 4:44 p.m. at home while surrounded by his family.
Raised in the family grocery business, Ciro ventured on to his true passion for healthcare after his life was saved through chiropractic. He graduated from Cleveland Chiropractic College in Kansas City, Missouri where he met his lifelong friend and mentor Dr. Charles Dickerson of Rome, Georgia. For the next 53 years, Ciro dedicated his life to the wellbeing of others through his chiropractic practice. His patients over the years numbered into the thousands, many travelling miles for his specialized care.
After studying several years with Dr. Blair, Ciro became proficient in the Blair Specific Upper Cervical technique and was a well renowned authority in the Blair method. For 35 years, he taught the Blair work with the help of his good friend, Dr. Roger Morrison. Ciro’s contribution helped preserve the Blair technique, inspiring many doctors and impacting countless lives. Dr. Rustici was featured in Chicken Soup for the Chiropractic Soul and received a Chiropractor of the Year award.
Ciro was a man of passion in everything he did. He immersed himself in multiple hobbies including magic, comedy, martial arts, woodcarving, bonsai gardening, astronomy, collecting cigars, music, fitness, firearms, and photography, which was spurred by his love for nature. His photography graces many homes and businesses.
His greatest love was for his family and their regular gatherings, holding true to the heritage of his Italian roots and Sicilian background. Most holiday gatherings at Ciro’s home would include recipes and dishes passed down from multiple generations. Ciro’s love for animals was evident throughout his entire life, owning various breeds of dogs and his beloved African Grey parrot B.J., his pet bird for over 28 years, who was with him at his passing.
Ciro’s first marriage to Dr. Tara Allen resulted in the birth of two sons, Dr. Wade Rustici and Dr. Drake Rustici, who carry on Ciro’s passion for Chiropractic.
His second marriage to Susan Talbot Rustici, who was the love of his life, brought two more children for Ciro to love. Their nearly 30 years together were filled with many adventures and enjoyment which included RV travel and time at the lake.
Ciro had a joyful life and was truly loved by all who knew him. A great storyteller, he knew how to make people smile and was able to find the good in everyone.
Ciro was preceded in death by his parents, his two younger brothers, Philip James and Steven Michael. Ciro is survived by his wife, Susan, his two sons, Wade and Drake (Alanna), his two stepchildren, Lauren Simmons Burks and Chad Simmons (Christina), his grandchildren Parker, Gabe, Ty, Gianna, Kaylie, and Chella. His brothers and sister, Anthony J. Rustici, Thomas C. Rustici (Sonia) and Anna Marie Wegener (Steve), and his beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Ciro Rustici Scholarship Fund, C/O Dr. Drake Rustici Synergy Chiropractic, 603 NE Woods Chapel Rd. Lee's Summit, MO 64064.
A celebration of life will be held on August 17, 2023 at 6:00 PM at Unity Temple, 707 W 47th Street, Kansas City, MO. 64112
This link will livestream the celebration:
https://boxcast.tv/view/life-celebration-ccdyludsdeyyn9v6meav
