Obituaries

Philip Ruthkosky, age 81, of Taylor, passed away Tuesday at Regional Hospital of Scranton, after a courageous battle with cancer. He is survived by his beloved wife and best friend, Lois Kerrigan Ruthkosky. The couple recently celebrated their 54th wedding anniversary.
Born in Scranton on February 1, 1937, Philip was the son of the late Philip and Emma Klonoski Ruthkosky. A graduate of the former South Catholic High School, Class of 1954, he was a standout athlete in football, basketball and baseball. He served in the United States Marine Corps achieving the rank of Corporal and playing on the Marine Corps football team before his honorable discharge in 1958. For over 35 years prior to his retirement, he worked as a mechanic for the Chamberlain Group of Scranton. Of Roman Catholic faith, he was a member of Divine Mercy Parish, Scranton. A proud Veteran, he was also a member of the American Legion Post #306 of Taylor.
He was a lifelong sports fan and especially loved football. He enjoyed fishing and never missed his daily crossword puzzle. His greatest moments came while spending time with his family, especially his wife Lois, and his adoring children and grandchildren. He loved time spent in Ocean City, New Jersey, and Disney World most of all. He never missed a moment of his family’s lives, especially those of his grandchildren. He’d always be the first one to take a seat in the stands of their sporting events and dance recitals. He was a wonderful husband and father. He was proud of his children, and he knew his legacy would live on through his children and grandchildren. More than anything, Philip was a kind, sweet man. He was humble and soft-spoken and above all loving. He was one-of-a-kind and he will be loved and missed forever.
He is survived by his children, Dr. Philip Ruthkosky and wife Renee of Scranton, Kim DiBileo and husband Louis of Scranton, and Chari Melnick of Taylor; his grandchildren, Louie DiBileo, Amelia Melnick and Elle Sophia Ruthkosky; his sisters, Yvonne Lance and husband Fred of Scranton and Patricia Kolankoski and husband Pete of Scranton; a sister-in-law, Kathy Ruthkosky of Scranton; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by siblings, Robert Ruthkosky and Diane Albright.
His family would like to acknowledge the kindness, compassion and friendship of Dr. Anees Fogley. His amazing care, along with the help of all of Philip’s caregivers, will never be forgotten.
Funeral services are scheduled to begin on Saturday at 10:45AM from the Thomas P. Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 517 North Main Street, Old Forge, with an 11:30AM Mass of Christian Burial at Divine Mercy Parish, 312 Davis Street, Scranton, to be celebrated by Rev. Francis Pauselli, Pastor. Burial, with full military rites by the AMVETS Honor Guard, will follow at the Cathedral Cemetery in Scranton.
Relatives and friends may pay their respects on Friday between 4-7:00PM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Philip’s name to the American Cancer Society, 712 S Keyser Ave, Taylor, Pa., 18517. Please visit the funeral home’s website for directions or to leave an online condolence.