Beloved NY1 reporter Ruschell Boone was laid to rest in an emotional ceremony Tuesday — remembered by loved ones as a “hero” and someone who “always made a way.”
Dignitaries including New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York Attorney General Letitia James attended a ceremony in Brooklyn for the award-winning anchor and mother of two, who lost her courageous battle with pancreatic cancer earlier this month at age 48.
Boone’s husband of 18 years, Todd, and sons Jackson, 12, and Carter, 9, sat in front of the Brooklyn Christian Cultural Center, wearing large purple buttons featuring Boone’s picture on their jackets.
Paying tribute to his late wife, Todd spoke of her ability to help others, see right from wrong, and push people to “be the best they can be.”
“I’m sorry that, you know, he’s not here to witness all of this in his physical form, but he’s still here,” he said. “He’s happy… he’s strong.”
Ruschell Boone was remembered during a service held in Brooklyn. He died after a two-year battle with pancreatic cancer at the age of 48. Credit: Tamara Beckwith/NY POST
He added: “He knows he is loved, and he loves everyone and we are all happy to know him. I am the lucky one to know him.”
At times, Todd can be seen wiping away tears while his youngest daughter rests her head on his shoulder.
Her sons Carter and Jackson thanked the hundreds in attendance for coming to honor their mother, who the older brother noted was “very special to all of us.”
Boone’s funeral service was held inside the Brooklyn Christian Cultural Center. Paul Martinka
Meanwhile, Boone’s program says “he made his dreams come true from his humble beginnings in Kingston [Jamaica] and leave an indelible mark on this world.
“Ruschell always made a way and he changed very grateful for the journey.”
Two portraits of Boone, who died Sept. 3, sit on easels on either side of his open white casket inside the packed venue.
The journalist looked serene, wearing a white necklace and pearls, with a cloth spread across her lap displaying the colors of the Jamaican flag.
Boone is survived by her husband of 18 years Todd, and their two sons, Jackson and Carter. Paul Martinka
The screen displayed images that chronicled Boone’s life — highlighting the mother of two who was adored over the years by colleagues, friends and family. A video of Boone happily singing and dancing also plays.
Boone is survived by two younger brothers, Alva Thompson and Durand Scott, who said their sister was their biggest cheerleader and was always there to take care of them.
“I always love my sister. I will always have him near and dear to my heart. Less than two years ago my mother died, my heart was broken in two but today my heart is broken into pieces. But no matter what happens in my life I will always and forever love my sister,” said Thompson.
Flowers surrounded Boone’s casket as friends and loved ones paid tribute to the beloved journalist. Paul Martinka
Boone is remembered as someone who “always made a way.” Paul Martinka
Scott said: “Not only is he the most amazing person in my life, he’s also my superhero. That’s the person you don’t want to meet.”
James, Adams, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards and City Council speaker Adrienne Adams also spoke during the service.
NY1, where Boone worked as a reporter and news anchor for more than two decades, praised him as a “dedicated and principled reporter to the end.”
Boone was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2021 when excruciating abdominal pain landed him in the emergency room.
Boone diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2021. @ruschellboone/Instagram
“I just started wailing, crying and looking at my husband, thinking I heard wrong,” she told The Post at the time.
“I thought, ‘Oh my God, I’m dead … My children are going to grow up without a mother,'” she added.
In June 2022, he left his duties at the front desk to receive chemotherapy before returning in March of this year, telling viewers of his midday newscast that although the chemo was “really brutal”, he came back “feeling great.”
Todd Boone, his sons Jackson and Carter, and other relatives say goodbye to Ruschell Boone.Paul Martinka
His first interview on NY1 was with New York City Mayor Eric Adams, that tweet “Our city is so lucky to have @RuschellBoone back where he is — behind the head desk and holding us all in a position of power to be reckoned with.”
However, just four months after he was declared cancer-free, Boone revealed on social media that his battle with cancer had taken a turn for the worse.
“I was very touched by everyone who reached out to see how I was doing. Unfortunately, my cancer has metastasized in my liver and I am back in treatment. It’s rough, but chemotherapy works,” he wrote.
Boone revealed on social media that his cancer had returned, just four months after he was declared cancer-free. @ruschelboone/Instagram
Longtime reporter promoted to anchor in 2021. @ruschellboone/Instagram
“Prayer has carried me through difficult moments. Thank you for supporting me.”
Following his diagnosis, the journalist became an advocate in the fight against the disease, the type of cancer with the lowest survival rate.
“Ruschell’s legacy will be defined by his excellent journalism and, more than anything else, his extraordinary ability to connect,” NY1’s memo to staff said.
“Ruschell is passionate in every sense of the word. Simply put, he is a joy to be around. Those are the qualities that allow him to deeply engage with New Yorkers, as well as behind the scenes with his colleagues.
Boone worked as a reporter and anchor at NY1 for more than two decades. Credit: Tamara Beckwith/NY POST
“Ruschell will always be remembered for his service to the people of New York, especially the beloved boroughs of Queens and the Bronx. We wouldn’t be the same without him.”
Boone will be buried next to his mother, who died two years ago, in the Bronx.
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
