DEERING, NH:  Rusty Wightman passed away on February 8, 2023, surrounded by love, after a hard-fought battle with esophageal cancer. Rusty was a man who believed in a life of service. He truly believed in giving of himself to make this world a better place, which he continued to do each day of his life. 

Rusty was a carpenter by trade and a business owner. However, it was his love of his daughter that led him on the path where so many will know and remember him. Rusty was a member of Smith Memorial Congregational Church, and as such was a leader in the youth group for over ten years. Rusty’s daughters were his world and their interests led him to the sport of soccer. Soccer became not only a way to spend time with his daughters, but the beautiful game became a way for Rusty to make the world a more beautiful place. He became known as Coach Rusty and opened soccer to a community of children. So many lives were touched in his role here, but more importantly Rusty’s life and spirit were energized by this calling. Rusty’s determination led him to many accolades within his church, community, and the world of soccer.

He is survived by his wife, Jodi, who was fortunate enough to find the love of her life at sixteen years old. Rusty was the extremely proud father of three daughters, Autumn, Emily and Cassidy who will miss him immensely and continue his legacy. Rusty is also survived by his honorary children, Madeline Parisi and Eric Gavell. 

Rusty was born August 15, 1971 in Boston, Massachusetts. He is survived by his cherished mother, Susan Wightman-Abaid, and his father in-law, Michael Weller (wife Kathie).  Rusty was predeceased by his father, William J. Wightman, Jr., stepfather, Frederick Peter Abaid, and mother-in-law, Lynda Weller. He was survived by and the proud big brother, William Reasoner (wife Margorett and children), Stacey Abaid-Thompson (husband Mike and daughter), Steven Symanski (and daughters), Kim Russell (husband Tom and family), Alia Abaid, and Robin Barham (and daughters). Rusty was also a brother in-law and uncle to a large extended family, including Jodi’s three sisters and their families. 

All are welcome to attend calling hours which will be held on Friday, February 17th from 3 to 6 pm at Holt-Woodbury Funeral Home, located at 32 School St. in Hillsboro, NH. Funeral services will be held at 11 am Saturday, February 18th at Smith Memorial Congregational Church, located at 30 West Main St. in Hillsboro, NH. A burial will take place at Life Forest in Hillsboro at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for you to consider a donation to continue to build soccer in the State of NH. A donation can be made in honor of Rusty Wightman to NH Soccer Association to further develop the Pembroke fields which he was so passionate to bring to fruition. 

If you would like to mail a donation, checks can be sent to NH Soccer Association, at 1600 Candia Road, Suite 3. Manchester, NH 03109 or click here to donate online. 

“I believe the light that shines on you will shine on you forever.”  Paul Simon