John George Rutty, 90, of New Oxford, PA, entered God’s light and eternal care, Thursday, September 8, 2022, at the Cross Keys Brethren Home with his loving family by his side.
Born June 18, 1932, in Bryn Mawr, PA, he was the son of the late Lyle and Lillian (McMonagle) Rutty. He was the loving husband of the late Mary Lou (Horsmon) Rutty with whom he shared 57 years of marriage until her passing on November 30, 2016.
Mr. Rutty attended the Hershey School for Boys in his younger years and later graduated from high school near Philadelphia. He then joined the Marines and used the GI bill to pay for his BS degree in Aeronautical Engineering from Pennsylvania State University.
John became a pilot in the Navy/U.S. Marines until 1959, then continued in the Reserves and worked as an engineer living in California. In 1965 he was recruited by American Airlines and flew as a commercial pilot for 28 years.
John was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Abbottstown, PA, the Hanover Country Club (a regular with Harry’s Hoodlums), and the Grey Eagles of American Airlines. He volunteered with Meals on Wheels, the Boy Scouts, was a youth basketball coach, and served on the Delone Catholic high school board. He went on several mission trips to Jamaica and Haiti in his retirement fulfilling a need to serve and give back. Generous with his time and money, he felt he was one of the lucky ones.
Besides being an avid golfer, Mr. Rutty was an inventor and creative thinker. He held more than a dozen patents over the years including a Radio AntiBlocking device approved for FAA NexGen use, and a popular “BackJack” for good posture while sitting. Having six children allowed him to travel and visit them all over the world. His greatest pride and joy was his family.
John is survived by five children, Annette M. Rutty, Stephanie Laidlaw, and husband Richard, Andrew J. Rutty, Jacquelyn Smith and husband Brian, Timothy M. Rutty; eight grandchildren; Aurelia, Cassandra, Devlin, Courtney, Erika, Danny, Jacob, and Jordan. He was preceded in death by one daughter, Theresa J. Rutty, one grandson, Edan, and two brothers, Ed and Lyle Rutty.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, September 13, 2022, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 6084 West Canal Road, Abbottstown, PA, with
Msgr. William Richardson as celebrant. Burial will be in Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church Cemetery, Abbottstown, PA. A viewing will be held from 6-8 PM, Monday, September 12, 20223 at the Kenworthy Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., 269 Frederick Street, Hanover, PA, with a prayer service at 8PM.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of John to the charity of your choice.
The Kenworthy Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., 269 Frederick Street, Hanover, PA has been entrusted by the family with the funeral arrangements. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.kenworthyfh.com
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