Raymond V. Rutkowski

Raymond V. Rutkowski of Florida, N.Y., a lifelong resident of the area, entered into rest on Wednesday, July 3, 2019, at Orange Regional Medical Center in the Town of Wallkill, surrounded by his family. He was 89.
The son of John E. Rutkowski and Anna Sadlowski Rutkowski, he was born on March 31, 1930, in Florida, NY.
Ray served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict where he was stationed in France, serving as a heavy equipment supply handler and translator for the Polish Guard.
After serving his country, he worked for the Ford Motor Company as a quality control inspector for 25 years and later for Horton Memorial Hospital, where he ran the print shop for 17 years.
Rays favorite job at Ford was being “Santa” at the employees' annual Christmas party. In 1971, Ray was the recipient of the “Ford Good Citizen” award, given for outstanding community service in the New York, New Jersey area.
He continued to be an active member of the UAW’s Retiree’s Local # 906.
Ray met the love of his life at a local birthday party. They were married at St. Stanislaus Church and settled in Florida.
Ray and Gert have been avid polka supporters for many years and were known to travel with their daughters attending many polka events.
His neighbors always enjoyed listening to his polka music every Saturday, Sunday and Monday evenings.
He had been active in Scouting for many years where he was the Scout Master for 20 years.
He was the recipient of the Order of the Arrow, the Bronze Pelican and the coveted St. George Award.
He was an active member of St. Joseph’s Church and its Holy Name Society, where he held many offices. He was the chairman of the annual Penny Social, Easter Egg Hunt and the Thanksgiving Day Raffle.
A member of the American Legion Post 1250, Florida; a 4th Degree Member of the Warwick Valley Knights of Columbus #4952, a past member of the Orange County Pulaski Parade Committee where he chaired many Paczki Balls; and an active member of the Hudson Valley Polonaise Society where he was named Citizen of the Year for 2002-2003.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Gertie Slesinski Rutkowski at home; three daughters: Cindy Zak and husband Tom of Middletown; Darlene Fuller of Poughkeepsie; and Melanie Bilancione and husband John of Middletown; three granddaughters: Sara Tkazyik and husband John; Heather Wolfe and husband Kent; and Aimee Bilancione; one great grandson: Hudson James Wolfe; brother Vincent Rutkowski and wife Dorothy “Kay;” three sisters: Martha Krzyzczuk; Josephine Lasapanaro and Gladys Rice; sister-in-law Ceil Rutkowski; along with numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.
He was predeceased by his brothers Ed and Alex Rutkowski.
Visitation was held July 7 at T.S. Purta Funeral Home, 22 Glenmere Ave.
A funeral mass was held July 8 at St. Joseph Church.
Burial was in St. Joseph Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph’s Church Restoration Fund, 14 Glenmere Ave., Florida, NY 10921.
Funeral arrangements were under the direction of the T.S. Purta Funeral Home.
To send a condolence online, please go to www.purtafuneralhome.com.