Edward W. Rutkowski

Edward W. (Ed) Rutkowski, age 95, of Erie, passed away peacefully to his eternal reward at the Erie VA Medical Center on Thursday, August 21, 2014. Born in Midland, Pa. on May 27, 1919, Ed was one of five children of the late Stanley and Louise Koscielniak Rutkowski of Erie Pa. He married his beloved wife, Regina (Reggie) (nee Orlowski) Sczekan on January 30, 1988.

Possessed of extraordinary ability and competence, Eddie was a true renaissance man, engaging in, mastering, and thoroughly enjoying an astounding array of activities, including: ballroom dancing, horseback riding, tennis, bowling, photography (Ed had his own darkroom), music, archery, and many, many more. Whatever you found yourself doing, Ed had a 'tip' on how to do it better, based on real experience. Ed's mind was razor sharp to the end and he enjoyed keeping himself informed on politics, current affairs, and world events through every medium available to him. A confirmed technophile, he was also an accomplished musician, playing violin and trumpet with his school orchestra. His lifelong philosophy was 'You can't do it if you don't try it' and he brought this mantra of self-empowerment to everything he did.

Forthright, sincere, outspoken, fun-loving and generous to a fault, Edward Rutkowski was a true friend to all his loved ones and an extraordinary life role model. Though he was with us for so long, it could never be long enough. The light in his twinkling eye has so suddenly been extinguished. His delightful, childlike chuckle has sadly been silenced. The kindness in his firm handshake and shoulder squeeze will warm us no more. But the true delight that was Edward William Rutkowski will continue to echo in the hearts and memories of all who were blessed to know him. He leaves an immeasurable legacy of love.

Ed attended Holy Trinity School, Wilson School, and Erie Technical School. He served his country in the Co. E 349th Infantry Regt. 88th Division of the United States Army from 1946 to 1947, completing a tour of duty in the allied occupation forces in Italy, partly with the ski troops in the mountains near the Austrian border. Upon returning to the United States, he continued his employment as an electrician with Erie Forge where he enjoyed an interesting and fulfilling career until his retirement in 1979.

In addition to his wife, Reggie, he is survived by his three beloved sisters - Leona Desser, Gertrude Mioduszewski, and Dorothy Dahl, all of Erie. His passing is also mourned by his nieces and nephews, Cheryl Tuznik of Allentown Pa., Susan Vogt (nee Tuznik) of Ayr, Scotland, Mary Beth Dillon (nee Tuznik) of Erie, Stanley Tuznik of Erie, Daniel Desser of Virginia Beach, Ronald Desser of Erie, Marlene Roach (nee Desser) of Cleveland Ohio, Mark Mioduszewski of Erie, Judy Mioduszewski of Erie, Barbara Priestap (nee Mioduszewski) of Waterford, Pa., Thomas Dahl of Columbus Ohio, Diane Dahl of Erie, and their spouses and children and many other cousins, nieces, and nephews. Edward was preceded in death by his sister, Jean Tuznik.

The family will visit with friends to celebrate Ed's extraordinary life on Monday, August 25, 2014, 5-8 p.m. at the Carl A. Slomski & Son Funeral Home, 2101 Ash St., and may attend a service Tuesday at 9:30 a.m., followed by a Funeral Mass at Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church, 2220 Reed St. at 10:00 a.m.

Entombment with full military honors will follow at Calvary Mausoleum East.

Memorials may be made to Holy Trinity Church, 2220 Reed St., Erie, PA 16503.

Send condolences to www.slomskifuneralhome.

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