Robert Byron "Pete" Rutherford Jr.

Robert Byron Rutherford, Jr., affectionately known as Uncle Pete, passed away on Monday, September 22nd, 2025. He was born on July 29th, 1950, in Passaic, New Jersey. Robert graduated from Passaic High School in 1968 and worked for various local companies. Later, he graduated from City University of New York and attended Columbia University. He was employed with Columbia University as the Chem Stores Manager.

His first wife was the late Rosetta Rutherford (deceased 1992). They had two children, Letitia Nicole Akens and Lameka Sharnell Akens (1994). He also has a son, Robert Rutherford III.

Robert was a kind, loving and calming presence in the lives of everyone who knew him. He had a warm and gentle spirit that he shared openly with family and friends. He had a sharp and curious mind and read the New York Times and other newspapers every day. He loved true crime stories, basketball, football Sundays, and most of all he loved his family. He was happiest when grilling out and showing his love by feeding his family and friends.

He had a deep love for jazz music - especially the sounds of John Coltrane, Miles Davis, and Billy Harper, whom he saw live in New York with his beloved wife, Amy. Inspired by his love for music, he taught himself to play the trumpet and continued learning new songs right up until the day he passed.

After retirement, Robert relocated to Louisville, Kentucky, where he found his calling for teaching. He loved working with his students and brought dedication and care into the classroom, often sneaking in a bit of candy as a reward for his students. His passion for education and connection to his students made an impression on the lives of many.

Robert's spiritual journey led him to Sufism. He practiced his faith quietly and followed the main teachings of the path -l ove, humility, self-control and remembering God. He was drawn to the focus on inner peace and personal growth rather than outward rituals. Robert spent time in silent prayer and reflection, feeling a spiritual connection to the words of Rumi and other Sufi poets.

Robert is survived by his wife of 18 years, Amy Louise Husk of Louisville, KY; his sister, Cheryl Ann McCormick (James) of Twentynine Palms, CA; daughter, Letitia Nicole Akens of Louisville, KY; son, Robert Rutherford III, of Hartford, CT; mother-in-law, Nancy Neill, Louisville, KY; sisters-in-law, Margaret Husk of Louisville, Emily Xavier (Marc) and Rachel Zuniga (Anthony) of Denton, TX.

He was preceded in death by mother, Lula Tremble Rutherford; father, RB Rutherford, Sr.; Barbara Rutherford (2013), Bruce Rutherford (2022) and Ritchie Rutherford (1988). He leaves behind to grieve his loss many nieces and nephews, extended family, friends, colleagues and students. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, October 1st, 2025, 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm, with a service on Thursday, October 2nd, 2025, at 3:00 pm, all at Highlands Family-Owned Funeral Home, 3331 Taylorsville Road, Louisville, KY 40205.

The family encourages that donations be made in Robert's honor to the West End School in Louisville, KY https://westendschool.kindful.com/