Rutnik, George J.

DELMAR- George J. Rutnik, 86, passed away peacefully on Saturday August 27, 2016. The son of Gregor and Margaret (Zwack) Rutnik, he was born in Albany. George went to St. Patrick’s grammar school and worked to put himself through Christian Brothers Academy (CBA) in Albany. George joined the Marine Corps during the Korean conflict. After being honorably discharged from the Marines, he graduated from Siena College in Loudonville, on the G.I. Bill, with both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree.

George married Mary Jo (Keenan) Rutnik on August 28, 1954 in Albany. His work career included teaching and coaching football at the former Ockawamick School in Columbia County. He later worked for the NYS Office of Vocational Rehabilitation where he helped many people find their way in life.

He is survived by his wife Mary Jo and their six children Michael (Karen), Margaret “Meg”, Daniel (Mary), Joseph (Bonnie), Thomas (Christine) Rutnik and Mary Kathleen (Richard) Pekins. He was a loving grandfather to several grandchildren and great grandchildren as well as a beloved uncle to many nieces and nephews. He is survived by his younger brother John P. (Elizabeth). In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his siblings Joseph, Gregory, Francis “Hank”, Mary, Agnes and Raymond.

Family was very important to George as shown by his determination to continue family traditions by gathering the extended family together yearly to laugh and share stories and keep the memories alive.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday, September 1, 2016 at 9:30 am in St. Thomas the Apostle Church, Delmar. Interment will follow the Mass in Calvary Cemetery, Glenmont.

Relatives and friends are invited and may also visit with his family Wednesday, August 31, 2016 from 4-7 pm in the Daniel Keenan Funeral Home, 490 Delaware Ave. Albany.

Those who wish may send memorial contributions to St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 35 Adams Place, Delmar, NY 12054 or Boys Town Nebraska, c/o Boys Town National Headquarters, 200 Flanagan Boulevard, P.O. Box 6000, Boys Town, NE 68010.