Russell J."Russ" Rutkowski Sr.

Russell J. "Russ" Rutkowski Sr., age 73, passed away Saturday, February 18, 2023 at his home following a lengthy illness.

He was born March 15, 1949 in Cleveland, OH, the son of Raymond and Vivian (Ellsworth) Rutkowski. Russ was married to Colleen (Lube) Rutkowski on July 17, 1971, and she survives. Also survived by two sons and a daughter-in-law, Russ Rutkowski, Jr. and Michael (Nikki) Rutkowski; two grandchildren, Lauren and Noah; a brother, Robert (Bonnie) Rutkowski; nephew, Rob Rutkowski; niece, Audrey Sawastuk; 1 brother-in-law and 3 sisters-in-law along with their extended families, Richard (Lynda) Lube, Pat (Kenny) Moss, Kathleen (Doug) McBride and Tammy Davis. He was fortunate to have a very close, tight-knit family.

Russ was preceded in death by his parents and by a sister-in-law, Diane Pope.

He graduated from Cleveland State University in 1972 with a bachelor's degree in Business Administration and Marketing. He worked in retail and management for over forty years, starting his career with the F.W. Woolworth Company in 1969 at various locations throughout Cleveland, and then eventually moving to Dayton. Following his retirement from retail, he became a substitute Teacher with Dayton Public Schools.

Honoring his Cleveland heritage, he has been a life-long fan of all Cleveland sports teams. Since 1990, he has been a part of the Huber Heights Church of God and has volunteered in various capacities there.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Crossroads Hospice 8069 Washington Village Drive, OH 45458.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, February 28, 2023 from 2-3pm at Huber Heights Church of God, 6900 Brandt Pike, Dayton, OH 45424. Services to follow at 3pm with Pastor Jerry Webb officiating.

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