Thomas Rutkoski

Tom, I miss you so much. You were my mentor and brought me close to Christ and His Hily Mother. Thank you. You are the most compassionate man I have ever known. You are in my prayers. I know you are with Holy Mary always. You are a prophet of the Lord. Your legacy is awesome. You did more for people all over the world than anyone I could imagine. You were blessed with Mary, your wife who was always at your side. My memories of you and Gospa missions are bittersweet. I love you and pray for...

I remember Tom often. We shared many adventures together at KDKA-TV. For more than a decade, Tom as one of the best photographers in the industry and me as a reporter, brine news and developed features that viewers would still remember. But it was witnessing Tom´s personal spiritual journey that has stuck out more over the years.

I think of Tom often. We shared a lot of time together with both of us growing past the TV news business. Still, we stayed in touch to the end. Each continued to help the other in whatever way we could. Too few friends like Tom in this life. Bless him.

It was an honor to be able to meet Tom and care for Tom. He is such a wonderful person. Tom had such an impact on me spiritually. He gave me his book to read and I found it very enlightening. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Deepest condolences to Mary and everyone in Tom's family. I was blessed to have known Tom from his days at KDKA--he on one side of the camera and I was usually on the other side--having to answer something on behalf of my employer for the news that night. I came to know Tom more in the past several years through his work with Abode for Children. He was a treasure to all whose lives he sought to help in so many ways. Tom also touched my mother's life, as well. Mary, my mom also sends her...

I met Tom at the K of C Hall in Somerville as he was giving a talk on his life. When he came back to NJ in his truck with GPS system to talk at Christ the King Church in Manville, I brought a friend and my sister-in-law. Tom was so generous that, during that stay, he spoke to the 7th and 8th grade students at St. Ann's Grammer School in nearby Raritan (no charge). One teacher and an 8th grade student were deeply affected. The Principal, Sister Gloria, came in to hear Tom, and ended up...

My prayers go out to Tom and those who mourn his passing - especially, Mary. Tom certainly impacted a great number of lives, mine included. As it is said in the Byzantine rite, "may his memory be eternal".

Sincere sympathy to Mary Rutkoski and family. It is fitting that Tom died during the Pentecost season. He was a "doubting Thomas" who became a true apostle. He spread the word of Medjudorje and the word of God. Tom was the first lay person that blessed me with the blessing of the Holy Spirit. I recall one mother's day gift to me from my son, Dan was Dan's driving 7 hrs. to take me to one of Tom's retreats at the Farm. Tom always had wonderful speakers! His good works travelled farther than...

May we express our deepest sympathy to the families of Tom; He had a rare quality of leadership & profound devotion
to his family & friends, which earned his love & respect of all of us who had the fortune to know him. God bless all of you, during such sad times.