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Robert Rutnik Obituary
He was born on April 28, 1941 in East Orange, N.J., the son of Rita (Slinger) Rutnik and Robert Paul Rutnik and grew up in northern N.J. While in his twenties he developed a love for the state of Vermont and purchased property in West Wardsboro at that time.
Robert worked for 30 years in New Jersey as a civil engineer. In 1997 he moved to Vermont full-time and worked for the Agency of Transportation, retiring in 2003.
He had a profound appreciation for Vermont and spent nearly every weekend at his home in West Wardsboro until moving here full-time. He took great joy in caring for his property, experiencing the outdoors by snowmobiling, hunting and fishing. He loved to entertain family and friends at his home. Robert was a great storyteller and loved to regale family and friends with stories of moose and bear sightings and simpler things such as an outing to the store. Within his family, his pancakes were unrivaled, and he loved preparing a breakfast feast for overnight guests.
He is survived by his wife Darlene of West Wardsboro; a daughter, Tracey, and her fiancé Paul Jackson of Washington, D.C.; a son, Paul, and his wife Danielle, of Hawthorne, N.J.; a step-daughter, Heidi, and her husband Todd Scalzott of Dunn Loring, Va.; a brother, Richard Rutnik of Fort Pierce, Fla.; three grandchildren, Mac Rutnik and Delaney and Kalina Scalzott; and his two nephews, Brian Rutnik and his wife Audra and their daughters Sierra and Samantha, and Richard Rutnik. He also leaves behind his beloved labrador, Webster.
Memorial services will be held at the family home at 1210 Upper Podunk Road, off Route 100 in West Wardsboro on Friday afternoon at 3 p.m. The Rev. Suzanne Curtis of the South Newfane Church will officiate. The family suggests that donations in Mr. Rutnik’s memory be made to the VCF Fund at the Vermont Community Foundation, P.O. Box 30 Middlebury, VT 05753.
Arrangements are under the care of Covey & Allen Funeral Home in Wilmington.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Rutnik
2 Entries
Peter Roper
March 9, 2025
I´m so sorry for your loss. I knew Bob when growing up as a teen and he was such a wonderful guy. I used to fish on his property in Wardsboro Vermont in the late 1960s. I will always have fond memories of him as he was part of my life growing up.
Stephen Sloat
June 3, 2004
Bob had a zest for life that was contagious. He will always have a special place in my heart and memories. Vermont will never be the same without Bob, he gave it his all, everyday of his life. We will miss his stories, his laugh and his friendship dearly. I'm sure he is already at work in Heaven making it a better place. Thanks Bob, for letting my kids swim in your pond and enabling my son to catch his first trout. I will forever be greatful for your hospitality and generousity.
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Covey & Allen Funeral Home44 East Main Street P.O. Box 215, Wilmington, VT 05363
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