Gerald M Rutkowski

Was born in Jersey City, NJ, on October 1, 1941. He is survived by his dear wife, Barbara Ann, nee Dugan, his beloved children, Donna, son-in-law, Howard, and son Robert, daughter-in-law, Stephanie, dearest grandchildren, Andrew Michael and Michael Joseph, brother, Dr. Leon Rutkowski, many nieces and nephew.

After receiving his BA and MA degrees from Seton Hall University in South Orange, NJ, he embarked on a 34 year teaching career which included St. Francis, Ridgefield Park, NJ, Fairview Middle School, Fairview, NJ, and Palisades Park High School, NJ. He taught American history, English, and Latin. He served as Bergen County voter registrar at the high school as well as newspaper advisor. He received the NJ Governor’s Teacher’s Award, the Excellence in Teaching Award from Union College, and special recognition from the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

He was also employed by Englewood Hospital and Medical Center as a security officer and retired after 27 years as a supervisor.

He was a member of the Waldwick Volunteer Fire Department for 25 years rising from the rank of firefighter to Chief of the Department in 1995, a position he held for three years. He was a member of the New Jersey State Fire Chief’s Association and a lifetime member of the New Jersey State Fireman’s Association.

A member of Mary Help of Christians Church in Parkland, he served as a member of the School Advisory Council and was president for a short time. He was also active in the music ministry and provided music for the Sunday 7:45 Mass.

After moving to Florida, he was employed as a site supervisor by Allied Barton Protective Services and the Festival Flea Market in Pompano.

Visitation will be at Kraeer Funeral Home and Cremation Center, Coral Springs, Monday, September 17, 2012, from 4-8 pm. The funeral service will be at Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church, Parkland, Tuesday, September 18, 2012, at 10:30 am. In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to Mary Help of Christians Church, 5980 University Drive, Parkland, FL 33067. www.kraeercoralsprings.com