RUTKAUSKAS

John Edward, Lt. Col. Ret. USAF

John, of Fairfield, California, passed away unexpectedly on December 24, 2010 surrounded by his loving family, at the home of his sister in Haddon Heights, New Jersey. He was born in Shenandoah, PA and graduated with honors from Shenandoah Catholic High School. John retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Air Force and served honorably in the Vietnam War. Following his retirement, he performed the duty of executive director of the USO for Northern California. John had a warm smile, an engaging personality, enjoyed laughing, having a good time and making friends. He was an avid sports fan and enjoyed watching sporting events with friends and family.

He is survived by his son John Michael, daughter Kathy and grandson John Davis, his former wife Patricia, stepdaughter Colleen Lieck and stepniece Ashley Lieck, all of Texas; his loving sisters Dolores McGovern of Phila., PA and Helen Ann Scola of Haddon Heights, NJ; brother-in-law Dominic; nieces Angela and Nicole; nephews Brett and Domenico Scola and several great-nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to his Visitation Saturday Jan. 15, 2011, 9:30 to 10:30 am, followed by his Military Honors Service at 10:30 am TERRANOVA FUNERAL HOME, Inc., 402 White Horse Pike, Haddon Heights, NJ. Memorial Mass 11 am St. Rose of Lima Church, 4th Ave. & Kings Hwy. Haddon Heights, NJ. Interment private.

In lieu of flowers the family requests prayers and acts of kindness in his memory.