Edward J. Rutkowski

Edward James Rutkowski, age 83, of Ellicott City, Maryland passed away surrounded by his loving family on August 24, 2024, after a very long battle with cancer. 

Born in Shamokin, Pennsylvania, he was the beloved husband of Jeanne (nee Dauksha) Rutkowski and was predeceased by his parents Edward Rutkowski and Anna (nee Karasinski) Rutkowski, and his sister Barbara Sugg. He is survived by his three children and their spouses: Michael and his wife Maureen, Maria Porton and her husband David, and Diana Horn and her husband Kai. He adored his five grandchildren, Kelsey, Michael, Alexander, Matthew, and Joshua.

Ed and Jeanne were high school sweethearts at Our Lady of Lourdes High School, also in Shamokin. They moved to Maryland where they started their family, while Ed attended The Catholic University of America. Ed began a lifelong career as a Satellite Operations Engineer, working for General Electric at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, MD. At NASA, as in the rest of life, Ed was known for his thoughtfulness, wisdom, genuine concern, and care for detail. As one co-worker put it, whenever they encountered a problem with an orbiting satellite that they couldn’t figure out, they followed “Contingency Procedure Step 1: CALL ED”.

Ed’s greatest pleasure came from the time spent with his family, whether it was during the holidays, family gatherings, or simply enjoying each other's company. He especially loved Christmas and the chance to see the wonder in his grandchildren’s eyes at his electric train displays.

He will always be remembered as someone who loved a good road trip and preferred taking the “scenic route”. The cross-country camping trip he planned and led in the 1970’s is legendary in the minds of his family. He was always sure to let his passengers know that he scored a “7” in Navigation while in the Reserve Officer Training Corp (ROTC). He will be forever loved by those whom he helped to navigate life itself by his gentle spirit founded on his faith in, and love of, God.

A viewing will be held at Harry H. Witzke’s Family Funeral Home, 4112 Old Columbia Pike, Ellicott City, MD 21043 (410-465-2848) from 7pm to 9pm on Friday, August 30. A Mass of Christian Burial will be said at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Roman Catholic Church, 4795 Ilchester Road, Ellicott City, Maryland 21043 on Saturday, August 31, 2024, at 10:00 a.m.