Richard Joseph Rutkoski

Richard Joseph Rutkoski passed peacefully at his home in San Antonio, Texas on June 28, 2018 at the age of 81. Richard “Dick” is survived by his daughters: Elizabeth Olson (Jim) and grandsons Alex and Zach Olson; Celia Rutkoski (Rich Wilson) and granddaughters Sophie and Audrey Wilson; brother Tom Rutkoski, niece Mary Ann Kritz and step grandson Jonathan DeBlasi. He is preceded in death by his daughter Catherine Rutkoski, parents Monica and Leo Rutkoski, sisters Sr. Marie Colette and Sr. Rosetta.

He is also survived by his sweetheart aka “faux wife” Penny Nyman and her daughters Jennifer Schwarzbach (Mark) and their sons Dylan and Drew; Christy Humble (Christopher) and their son Quinn.

Richard was born and raised in Shamokin, Pennsylvania. After graduating high school, he joined the Merchant Marines for two years serving on ships that traversed the globe.

Upon returning to dry land, he went about working and gathering friends in Atlanta, Georgia; Madison, Indiana and Cleveland, Ohio before retiring from a career in Sales in 1999. In 2009, he moved to San Antonio, Texas to spend more time with his Texas family, the Olson’s, to meet Penny and play golf.

But it wasn’t all about golf. He gave back in many ways. He volunteered at SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives), from 1999-2017. He provided counseling services for the San Antonio chapter of NAMI (National Association of Mental Illness). He also volunteered his time at the Valero Texas Open Golf Tournament.

He was a member of the Elks, Moose Lodge and served as president of the Silverhorn Golf Club Senior League. He was a devout Catholic and was an active Knights of Columbus member in both Cleveland and San Antonio. He was always happy to help, give advice and share his wisdom, knowledge and experience.

Richard’s pride in many of his accomplishments pales in comparison to the pride he had in being a grandpa to his grandchildren. He took avid interest in every detail of their lives, from dance recitals, swim meets, marching band, dive meets and every day life experiences. Nothing was too big or too small to delight his heart when it came to the grandchildren!

When meeting old friends or new acquaintances, Richard was always quick to say “I’m glad you had a chance to see me”. He was truly one of a kind; much loved and will be remembered “as a leader, not a follower”.

The funeral will be held at

Holy Trinity Catholic Church

20523 Huebner Rd. San Antonio TX 78258

Monday, August 20th 2018 at 10 AM.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a cause that was very close to Richard’s heart, NAMI. www.nami-sat.org

Messages can be left the Neptune Society at www.neptunesociety.com/location/san-antonio-cremation.

Richard made friends to the very end with Vitas Hospice. He was very thankful for the care the Vitas staff gave him and the family.