Michael D. Rutkowski

1940 - 2022

Michael D. Rutkowski, 82, of Reading, passed away on Thursday, July 28th, 2022. Michael was born in Reading on January 5th, 1940, the youngest of three sons of the late Karol and Mary (Herman) Rutkowski. He was predeceased by his brothers Karl and William Rutkowski. Michael was the loving husband of Carolyn M. (Maryniak) Rutkowski, recently celebrating 61 years of marriage. A devout Catholic, Michael was a member of St. Catherine of Siena Parish. Michael was a Graduate of Mount Penn Highschool in 1957 where he enjoyed playing basketball and golf. He was an avid golfer for the rest of his life, having a love-hate relationship with the sport, as many golfers do. Michael was a Graduate of Penn State University Park, Class of 1961, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering and his Professional Engineering License. He was a proud Penn State Alumnus, repping his school spirit on Football Saturdays and sharing eventful college stories with his children and grandchildren, many of whom followed in his footsteps to receive a degree from Penn State. Michael served in the Air Force for three years after completing Officer’s Training in college. He retired from Worley Parsons and was President of Sensitron Associates, where he created and manufactured Dissolved Oxygen Analyzers. Michael had a lifelong love for science, and he never hesitated to pass on his chemistry knowledge to family members. He enjoyed reading science fiction and keeping up-to-date with new NASA discoveries. He was fascinated by how the world worked around him, eager to share his knowledge with anyone willing to listen. In addition to his wife, Michael was survived by his three children, Genevieve M. (Rutkowski) Samolewicz, wife of Joseph J. Samolewicz, Reading PA; Michael D. Rutkowski Jr, husband of Julianne D. (Schmidt) Rutkowski, Reading PA; and Thomas A. Rutkowski, husband of Monica L. (Sawicki) Rutkowski, New Hope PA. Michael also survived by his seven grandchildren, Joseph M. Samolewicz, Daniel J. Samolewicz, Claire G. Samolewicz, Jillian M. Rutkowski, Harper V. Rutkowski, Hudson T. Rutkowski, and Violette P. Rutkowski. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held privately at the family’s request. Memorial contributions may be made to the Arbor Day Foundation: https://shop.arborday.org/campaign/reforestation-donation/give. Lutz Funeral Home, Inc. is in charge of arrangements. For online condolences, please visit www.LutzFuneralHome.com