Stanley E. Rutkowski, Jr. Jr.

Stanley E. Rutkowski, Jr.

December 6, 1952 – July 20, 2025

Stanley "Lee" Rutkowski, 72, of Robbinsville, NJ, passed away peacefully at his home in Ocean Pines, MD on July 20, 2025, surrounded by his devoted partner Carol Brazil, and his loving family.

Born in Trenton, NJ, on December 6, 1952, and raised in Lawrenceville, Lee graduated from Lawrence High School. He began working as a landscaper at just 16 and later attended MCCC for Horticulture, where he honed his craft and built a successful career and business. As a skilled landscape architect and designer, Lee was affectionately known as "the tree man"-a true expert who could identify every species and was the go-to for all things landscaping.

Lee proudly served in the National Guard for four years and was a beloved fixture in his community-not only through his professional work and friendships but also behind the bar at Ernie's Tavern in Robbinsville and at the St. Gregory the Great Carnival, where he worked the food tent for 30 years and was fondly known as "The Sausage Guy." With his big personality, easy laugh, and rare ability to connect with everyone he met, Lee never knew a stranger-he had a special gift for turning everyone into a friend.

He found great joy in life's simple pleasures: cooking and experimenting with recipes on his smoker, surf fishing with a cold Coors Light, or relaxing after a hard day's work with good friends, a cigar, and bourbon. He was a devoted NASCAR fan who never missed a race and faithfully cheered for his favorite driver, Jeff Gordon. He also had a deep love for classic cars- especially his '69 Corvette.

Above all, Lee's greatest joy was being "LeeBop" to his grandchildren. He adored watching them grow and was a steady, loving presence in their lives.

Lee is survived by his loving partner, Carol Brazil; his children, Josh Rutkowski (Brittany Hoagland) and Jamie Martin (Trey), and their mother, Jan Rutkowski; his stepchildren, Katie Beran (Brett Herrington) and Colleen Brazil; and his beloved grandchildren, Brielle, Brooklyn, Hayden, and Cole. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, and his cherished cat, AnnBelle.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Stanley and Clare Czarnecki Rutkowski; his sister, Susan Rutkowski Langhirt; and his stepdaughter, Jessica Brazil.

Lee's legacy lives on through the trees he planted, the landscapes he created, the family he loved, and the countless friends he made throughout his life.

A Catholic Mass celebrating Lee's life will be held at St. Gregory the Great Church in Hamilton Square, NJ, on Friday, August 8th at 10:00 AM. A luncheon will follow at 1:00 PM at the American Legion Post 458, 1438 Brunswick Ave, Trenton, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Lee's memory to Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or the Tunnel to Towers Foundation-three causes close to his heart.