Obituaries

Charles (Chuck) Rutosky, age 70, of Louisville, Kentucky, and a Scranton native, passed away Tuesday at Norton Audubon Medical Center in Louisville.

He was born in Scranton on July 7, 1950, and was the son of the late Robert and Elizabeth “Betty” (Farrell) Rutosky. Chuck was a graduate of West Scranton High School and the University of Pittsburgh where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Business.
He was subsequently drafted into the U.S. Army, where he proudly served his country in the military police during the Vietnam War until his honorable discharge from active duty. Following his service, he returned to the University of Pittsburgh where he earned a Master in Business Administration (MBA).

He was employed by the Borroughs Corporation, specializing in business equipment sales, first in Rochester, N.Y. before ultimately settling with the company in Louisville. He later became the company’s Chief Executive Officer, a position he held until his departure from Burroughs. After leaving the business world, he opened a successful Hallmark Greeting Card Company store in Louisville alongside his cousin, Kathy Zukowski. Upon retirement, he enjoyed spending time at his second residence in Cape Cod, Mass.

Chuck loved spending time with his family and lifelong friends. Those who knew Chuck, knew how generous he was with his time and resources for all of his family, animals and those in need. He was a true animal lover in every sense of the word and cared for his pets including all of the cats through the years, but especially his beloved fluffy black cat Sophie. Chuck thoroughly enjoyed reading, anything and everything. He was a lifelong voracious learner, and highly valued education and altruism. He introduced his younger family members to the joy of literature and a love of politics and goodwill at an early age which in turn, inspired their own love of learning, careers and benevolence. Additionally, as a patron and supporter of the cultural arts, he introduced many to the beauty of live theater and ignited their lifelong interest in arts and culture.

Chuck leaves a huge hole in the hearts of his loved ones for many reasons, but his love of and visits during the holidays was like the spirit of Santa was arriving for both the young and the old. He radiated joy, and was often known to sing silly songs on many outings keeping those in his company laughing. He absolutely loved the holidays and was very sentimental and thoughtful in all that he did. He especially enjoyed decorating his tree at Christmas with a multitude of cherished ornaments collected through the years, each one holding a special memory. He also loved collecting antiques, political campaign buttons, stamps and was the designated keeper of old, treasured family heirlooms.

Chuck treated everyone he met with kindness and accepted everyone for who they were, without judgement or malice. Despite all of his hard earned academic and military successes, through both his demeanor and his lifestyle, Chuck exemplified humility. Although he faced cancer twice, Chucky remained purely himself to the end – smart, humble, witty, kind, funny and generous. He will never be forgotten by his family and friends. He leaves with us the legacy of living authentically, pursuing our own dreams, standing up for social justice, giving more than receiving, and being silly while having fun whenever possible. He will forever be loved and missed.

He is survived by his brother-in-law, David Wilmot; his niece and nephew, Dr. Amanda Wilmot and husband Norman Wright and Douglas Wilmot and Casandra Ross; great nieces and great nephews; dear cousins, Kathy and George Zukowski, William and Donna Farrell and Colleen and Llew Foulke; and Ryan and Kevin Hetman. His dear sister, Patricia Ann “Cheech” Wilmot, preceded him in death on October 7, 2019.
A private blessing service is scheduled at the Kevin K. Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 125 North Main Avenue Scranton. Burial with full military honors by the AMVETS Honor Guard will follow at the Cathedral Cemetery, Scranton. In lieu of flowers, Chuck would hope that you will perform an unexpected and unsolicited act of kindness for someone or animal in his name.