Surviving are two sons, Jerry (Donna), Virginia, and Jim, New York; four grandsons, Ryan, Justin, Evan and Troy; sister, Janice (Jim) Connelly, Georgia; and several nieces and nephews.

Originally from Kingston, he attended St. Hedwig's Parochial School and graduated from Kingston High School. He attended Penn State University, Wilkes-Barre campus, and also Broome Community College. Jerry enjoyed a long professional career at Bendix and CAE-Link, first as a drafter and then a project administrator in the defense contracting industry. He settled in Endwell, New York, where he raised his family, and then retired to Sun City Center.

He enjoyed several clubs and activities at the Sun City Community Center, volunteered in their security patrol, and worked part-time at Publix grocery store. He was a proud veteran of both the 109th National Guard and the U.S. Army Reserve.

Jerry will be most remembered and revered as a kind and selfless man who put other's needs above his own. His inner circle frequently heard his motto, "Clean house, trust God and help others," and he embodied this principle by performing countless compassionate tasks to help and uplift other people.

Jerry enjoyed music, playing the accordion, gardening, fishing and spending time with friends and family.

His life will be celebrated at a funeral Mass at 10 a.m. April 6 in St. Ignatius Catholic Church, 339 N. Maple Ave., Kingston. Burial will follow at the Pittston Cemetery, after which family will receive friends and family and share memories at a lunch reception at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 59 Parry St., Luzerne.

Funeral arrangements by A.J. Kopicki Funeral Home, Kingston.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the nonprofit musical group, The Front Porch Pickers, whose music gave Jerry great enjoyment: The Front Porch Pickers, c/o 1409 Fox Hills Drive, Sun City, FL 33573.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Times Leader from Mar. 21 to Mar. 22, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Jerome Rutkowski

8 Entries

April 5, 2015

I had the pleasure of meeting Jerry approximately 6 years ago through my brother. I eventually came to live with him for the past 3 1/2 years. I have long believed that God places people in our lives for a reason. While I originally thought it was for me to help him with domestic and household issues, I have since come to believe that it was for me to learn how to be a better person through Jerry's example. He is sorely missed.

Chip Kinne

March 27, 2015

I knew Jerry for several years. Jerry was always interested in how others doing and always had a kind word. He had a great smile, and was pleasant to be with.

March 25, 2015

I worked in the B-52 Program Office at Singer-Link, and I can honestly say Jerry was one of the most decent and compassionate human beings I ever met. May his spirit stay with his family and give them strength. Marie Gurske, Starrucca, PA

Leslie

March 23, 2015

Fond memories of Jerry and his little, black book of notes. Will miss seeing him in Dec. and June. Had a great attitude of gratitude.

Steve Hunker

March 23, 2015

Jerry will be missed by his Endwell/Endicott circle of friends. Although he moved to Florida some years ago, his return visits over the Christmas holidays were a joy to us. Jerry was always able to share a good story, characterized by his "Gee whiz" and "By golly" sense of humor. RIP, my friend, until we meet again.

John Kabanek

March 23, 2015

I remember Jerry from my days @ Link. We shared some laughs and program successes. May he rest in peace. John

Patricia Fabricius

March 22, 2015

I worked with Jerry back in the early 1980s in the B52 Program Officer at Singer/Link. I can still hear his voice, see his big smile and picture his "fifties" style. In all truth I can say Jerry was a pleasure to work with and fun to work with. He had a great sense of humor and really did care about people. I had no idea, though, that he was from Kingston, PA which is where my own father grew up and I spent much of my youth in Kingston. A coincidence we never got to share in spite of our many talks.
Rest in Peace, Jerry. You will never be forgotten, as this one old coworker can readily witness. Sincerely.

Gates Murchie

March 22, 2015

A good man with a kind heart and a positive impact on those he met...

Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results