David L. Rutherford

David L. Rutherford, 69, of Ridgewood, passed away on May 12, 2022.
A Ridgewood resident for 60 years, David was born in Philadelphia on November 17, 1952. He graduated from Ridgewood High School in 1970, majored in political science as an undergraduate at the University of Pennsylvania and earned a law degree from The Catholic University of America.
Throughout his 45-year career as an attorney, David specialized in land use and real estate. He served as the Zoning Board Attorney for the towns of Ho-Ho-Kus (37 years), Westwood (23 years), Englewood (20 years) and Saddle River (18 years). He was also a member of the Bergen County Bar Association, and chaired its Land Use Committee and served on its Ethics Committee. As a lawyer, he was known for three things: his integrity, his attention to detail and his courtesy to all.
David was a very talented organist and pianist. He took his first lesson at around the age of 10, studying with Claire Coci, an award-winning concert organist and teacher. At the age of 16, he played a recital on the organ at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark. On piano, he accompanied his daughter Claire in her performance at Carnegie Hall. He served as the organist at Church of the Savior in Paramus for 17 years and recently served as a substitute organist at Christ Church Ridgewood; roles which allowed him to blend his love of music with his strong faith and service to God.
He was an active member of Christ Church, participating as a Eucharistic minister, reader, choir member and vestry member.
In addition to David's legal and musical abilities, he was a talented home chef. He had a passion for creating wonderful meals for his family and friends. A highlight of his life was the opportunity to assist in the preparation of several meals at the renowned James Beard House in New York.
David was an avid reader throughout his life, which enabled him to talk to anyone about almost any subject, from the nuances of the latest Supreme Court decision to geography and the nature of the Holy Trinity. He had a lifelong love of cars, extending from his Triumph TR-6 to his most recent ride, a red Alfa Romeo 4C.
David will be remembered for his calm demeanor; his kindness; his compassion for and service to others; and perhaps above all, an enduring and lifelong faith that both inspired and comforted those who knew him. With his wife Marian, he set an example for everyone else.
For all his interests and hobbies, he loved spending time with his daughters and grandchildren the most, in whom he took such delight and pride.
David is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Marian; his daughters Sarah Rutherford (Everette), Catherine Conetta (Christopher) and Claire Clarke (Scott); five grandchildren -- Kelley, Bryn, Colby, Reagan and Theodore; and his brother Peter Rutherford (Christie). He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Sally Rutherford, also of Ridgewood, N.J.
A viewing will be held at Christ Church Ridgewood (105 Cottage Place, Ridgewood, N.J.) on Tuesday, May 17 from 4:00 to 8:00pm. A celebration of David's life will be held at Christ Church Ridgewood on Wednesday, May 18 at 10:30am.
Please visit www.vanemburgh.com for more information and a link to the livestream of the service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in David's name to Family Promise of Bergen County, Christ Church Ridgewood and Susquehanna University. Please click here to view the funeral service LIVE on Wednesday May 18th at 10:00am