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Thomas Rutkoski Obituary
Butler native Thomas Rutkoski of Adams Township died Tuesday.
Thomas Rutkoski's life has had impact and influence far beyond the borders of Butler County, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or even the United States.
After having served in the Air Force, Thomas was the award-winning chief photojournalist for KDKA-TV in Pittsburgh for many years.
For the past 24 years, Thomas committed his life to serving the needs of others. In 1990, he founded Gospa Missions, a nonprofit organization based in Evans City, dedicated to convincing everyone he met to take their relationship with God more seriously. Thomas delivered more than 1,000 inspirational presentations all over the world. Through this outreach, the mission has grown over the years to include retreats, conferences, publishing, prison ministry and more.
Thomas Rutkoski was in the business of saving lives and saving souls. His brand of hope came in the form of building orphanages and schools in the poorest parts of the world. He founded a second nonprofit charity, Abode for Children, dedicated to the welfare of the world's most disadvantaged children, especially in Africa and India. His program of care offers a model for education, for strong values and for hope, where otherwise none would exist.
In 1995, during a trip to Africa, Thomas was moved by the abject poverty he witnessed firsthand and became determined to make a difference in the lives of young people who had no one else to care for them. It was then that he vowed to spend his life creating opportunities for children all over the world to thrive.
Through his foundations, Rutkoski built and maintains an orphanage and a school in Ogoja, Nigeria, for 750 children. There also is an entire complex including two orphanages, a school that will accommodate up to 600 orphaned and disadvantaged children, and a church, in Cherukupally, India.
In 1994-95, after the war in Bosnia ended, Gospa Missions was responsible for shipping containers of food to refugees, in addition to thousands of pounds of clothing and medical supplies. Two destroyed Croatian churches, which would have been demolished as a result of the war, were restored in part because of Gospa Missions' donation of $50,000 in financial assistance.
Thomas wrote four books: "Apostles of the Last Days," "Miracles and How to Work Them," "Great Divide" and "My Scriptural Rosary." He published motivational CDs and DVDs. All of the profits from his books and other media are donated to his favorite charities, Gospa Missions and Abode for Children.
A 1962 graduate of Butler High School, Thomas was honored to receive the school's Distinguished Graduate Award for 2008.
In the midst of all of his humanitarian deeds, Thomas was diagnosed with a rare and incurable bone marrow cancer called multiple myeloma. He took part in a variety of experimental treatments in hopes that doctors and researchers would learn something about the disease for others who suffer. But he never let his life-threatening condition stop him from moving forward with his dream of building even more orphanages and schools and providing a brighter future for the world's neediest children.
Thomas is survived by his wife, Mary; and his sisters, Elizabeth Schultz of Butler and Mary Jane Joseph of New Castle.
He was the son of the late Frank Rutkoski and the late Anna Sprovkin Rutkoski of Butler.
RUTKOSKI - Friends of Thomas Rutkoski, who died Tuesday, June 7, 2011, will be received from 2 to 8 p.m. Sunday at DEVLIN FUNERAL HOME OF CRANBERRY, 2678 Rochester Road, Cranberry Township. A Requiem Mass will be at 10 a.m. Monday in St. Paul Church, Butler. Everyone please meet at church.
His family requests that memorial donations be made to Thomas' foundation, Gospa Missions.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Rutkoski
Lorraine Cekoric
September 9, 2025
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 you and Mary. Pray for me Tom. I know our Lady answers your prayers
Ron Klink
June 4, 2023
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.
Ron Klink
June 4, 2021
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.
Kelli Cuffman
June 15, 2011
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.
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Rosemary Martinelli
June 13, 2011
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 condolences--on one of Tom's earliest trips to Medjugorje, my mother was one of the pilgrims. She still talks about the "man from KDKA" who was answering a higher calling in his life. That trip meant so much to her. I guess it is true--the world truly is small. Rest in peace, Tom.
Mrs. Sharon Lawler
June 13, 2011
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 staying for the entire story. I had lunch with Tom and Mary in Somerville that day. I wish we had the time for a nicer lunch, but ended up in a cafe having sandwiches. Although I have many physical disabilities, I never asked Tom to heal me, and he never offered, as if he knew that part of my work here on earth was to suffer in that manner. Pam Nicholson, whom I met through one of Tom's talks, helped me to understand that. Tom took the Gospel of Jesus to heart and lived it with courage. My deepest sympathy to Mary and Tom's family. Tom, when you are in heaven, pray for us who are still in the trenches of the Church Militant.
Matt Callihan
June 12, 2011
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".
Kathy Laird
June 12, 2011
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 we can imagine. May he rest in peace and God grant peace and consolation to his loved ones.
Michael/ Dee Dee Newcaster
June 11, 2011
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.
Pam Nicholson
June 11, 2011
Dear Mary: Tom is a great loss for the world. You and he travelled far and wide to spread the message of the Gospel among so many other works of mercy and love of Jesus and Mary. May the Lord's precious blood cover you and your families at this time of sorrow while knowing God's plan has been fulfilled in Tom and you in life, and will continue in the world to come. You two are a great inspiration to a life truly well-lived. Tom has run the good race, and no doubt you will follow him when the time comes to meet your heavenly reward as well. You two mean more to me and Jim than you can know. Our hearts go out to you, our love goes on for who you two are and what you have done has meant for those with ears to hear. God bless. Pam and Jim.
Ruth Yatsko
June 11, 2011
Dear Mary,
The trip to Medjugorje with you and Tom, retreats on the farm, Marian conference are all special moments in my life. Heaven has gained and you and the world have lost a special person.
June 11, 2011
Tom accompanied us ("the three sisters") on a trip to Medugorje in 1990. It was and is a lasting treasured experience thanks to Tom's commitment. We three offer our condolences to his family. Yvonne Jungle Dolly O'Connell, B. Kort
June 10, 2011
Dear Rutkoski Family,
I met Mr. Rutkoski at his store, upon meeting him it was very evident that the spirit of God was with him. He had a way about him that made one feel at peace. He really was a very kind man.
May God Bless you all as you grieve your loss.
Tom & Carol Nypaver Family
June 10, 2011
We heard Tom speak at many Marian Conferences in Pittsburgh and attended his retreats on the farm. What a blessing he was to us. We'll miss seeing him at the Latin Mass. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord. And let perpetual Light shine upon him. Praise the Name of the Lord for Tom's faithful service!
Bob Yuna
June 10, 2011
I was fortunate enough to work with Tom for 3 years at KDKA. A more talented and honest person I've not known in my life. Grieve Tom's passing but celebrate his wonderful talent that touched so many people's lives. Surely Tom goes to a better place. Goodbye, Tom. God bless you.
A Cavalier
June 10, 2011
I don't know Tom personally, but have read his books about the Gospa Mission and have been inspired. I hope you and your family find love, comfort and support in this time of mourning. The peace of the Lord be with you always.
Theresa McKnight
June 10, 2011
To The Rutkowski Family: May you receive the gift of comfort from God in your time of loss. I was a resident of Evans City and attended a Retreat @ the Farm many years ago.I also stopped at Gospa Mission to purchase religious items and remember a special kindness and spirituality that Tom posessed and it showed. I had wonderful conversations with both Tom and Mrs.Rutkowski though she may not specifically remember me.May God Bless you all and keep you in his Loving Arms through this trying time
Ron Klink
June 10, 2011
I was pleased and honored to know Tom before God spoke to him and changed his life. I shared many hours of conversation with my friend as he was going through the transformation that lead to Gospa's founding.
In short it was remarkable. And Tom Rutkoski was most remarkable in the way he approached life. Whether it was his life as a Television Photographer or his real mission, to bring people to the church and to Christ.
Mary, thanks for sharing him with everyone. I hope you find peace and comfort. We will truly miss our friend Thomas.
Lynda Staylor
June 10, 2011
Mrs. Rutkoski,
You are in my thoughts and prayers. It was such a pleasure and a joy having known Mr. Rutkoski. He had such a very special gift of knowing how to inspire and lift the hearts of those around him. I hope you find comfort, support and peace through your family and friends. I will never forget the lovely conversations that we've shared. Please let me know if you need anything.
Sincerely,
Lynda Staylor
Hillman Cancer Center
Joan
June 10, 2011
I met Tom at my church, and at some of his retreats at the farm. I truly believe he strenghened my faith. He was a holy and wonderful man. And he was an inspiration to us all. My condolences To Mary and his family. Someday I hope to visit Medjugorje, Tom's talks about the apparations makes me feel I need to go there. Joan Walney, Bethel Park Pa
Clare Giuffre
June 10, 2011
What a wonderful man and an inspiration to all. My sincerest offer of sympathy to his family and friends. May you be at peace with our Lord in heaven. God bless you for your wonderful work and ministry here on earth and for all the lives that you touched and blessed and for enriching the lives of so many others.
Jane Summers
June 10, 2011
I was privileged to attend several Retreats on the Farm and received the Gospa Missions Newsletter for years. Tom's talks and commentaries always spoke to my heart and my faith was strengthened by these wonderful offshoots of Tom's ministry. I am picturing him full of joy as he is received by our loving Savior
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