John Rutkowski III, age 71, of Newark, Delaware, passed away from malignant melanoma on November 11, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Wilmington, Delaware, John was a devoted husband, father, brother, and friend to many.
John is survived by his wife of 39 years, Karen Ford, his son John Rutkowski IV, his sisters Charmaine Wishart and Danielle Kulp and he was preceded in death by his parents Charmaine and John Rutkowski Jr.
Throughout his life, John exemplified kindness and generosity, always putting others before himself. He cherished his time with family and friends, creating countless memories that will be treasured forever. John had a passion for the outdoors, starting at the early age of six. He went on a coast-to-coast car trip with his parents before interstate highways and seatbelts. His love for nature grew as he embarked on Appalachian Trail hikes, guided excursions, and winter treks in the White Mountains. He shared his love of the White Mountains with our son. This also started when he was six, going on many hut hikes and earning eight hut pins. In 2019 they trekked Hadrian’s Wall and just this past April he walked the Camino Portugues with friends. He volunteered to clear the trails of White Clay Creek State Park this past summer, walking thirty miles a week.
John was a private pilot and flew us to many places over the years. His first plane was a Beechcraft Sport and on the first VFR cross-country trip, the joke was the trucks on the highway were going faster than us. He earned his IFR license and upgraded to a Bonanza which enabled us to travel higher and faster. Flying brought him joy and fulfillment.
In addition to his role as a dedicated family man, John was known for his leadership and expertise in IT. He left a lasting impact on those around him. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. As expressed here by his colleagues.
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/timconkle_thankyou-legacy-the20strong-activity-7260129054610055168-dAwz?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop
Click this link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rcELDKQPNdg to view the Follow the Camino interview where they speak with John Rutkowski III, a life-long walking enthusiast who used his passion as motivation to help him recover from a series of cancer surgeries and treatments. He's walked the Camino, many long-distance routes in the US, and even the length of Hadrian's Wall!
A celebration of John's life will be held in early spring of 2025. The venue is to be determined. Instead of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to outdoor or environmental organizations or causes in his memory.
John Rutkowski III's warmth, love, and laughter will forever remain in our hearts.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of John Rutkowski Iii, please visit our flower store.
John is survived by his wife of 39 years, Karen Ford, his son John Rutkowski IV, his sisters Charmaine Wishart and Danielle Kulp and he was preceded in death by his parents Charmaine and John Rutkowski Jr.
Throughout his life, John exemplified kindness and generosity, always putting others before himself. He cherished his time with family and friends, creating countless memories that will be treasured forever. John had a passion for the outdoors, starting at the early age of six. He went on a coast-to-coast car trip with his parents before interstate highways and seatbelts. His love for nature grew as he embarked on Appalachian Trail hikes, guided excursions, and winter treks in the White Mountains. He shared his love of the White Mountains with our son. This also started when he was six, going on many hut hikes and earning eight hut pins. In 2019 they trekked Hadrian’s Wall and just this past April he walked the Camino Portugues with friends. He volunteered to clear the trails of White Clay Creek State Park this past summer, walking thirty miles a week.
John was a private pilot and flew us to many places over the years. His first plane was a Beechcraft Sport and on the first VFR cross-country trip, the joke was the trucks on the highway were going faster than us. He earned his IFR license and upgraded to a Bonanza which enabled us to travel higher and faster. Flying brought him joy and fulfillment.
In addition to his role as a dedicated family man, John was known for his leadership and expertise in IT. He left a lasting impact on those around him. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. As expressed here by his colleagues.
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/timconkle_thankyou-legacy-the20strong-activity-7260129054610055168-dAwz?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop
Click this link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rcELDKQPNdg to view the Follow the Camino interview where they speak with John Rutkowski III, a life-long walking enthusiast who used his passion as motivation to help him recover from a series of cancer surgeries and treatments. He's walked the Camino, many long-distance routes in the US, and even the length of Hadrian's Wall!
A celebration of John's life will be held in early spring of 2025. The venue is to be determined. Instead of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to outdoor or environmental organizations or causes in his memory.
John Rutkowski III's warmth, love, and laughter will forever remain in our hearts.
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