It is with great sadness that the family of Matthew J. Rutkowski announces his passing. Matthew passed away peacefully June 3, 2019, from natural causes while in hospice care in Ohio, he was 84 years old. He is survived by his three children: Sheree McCurley, Robin (and Scott) Brennan, Matthew P. (and Brandy) Rutkowski and six grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Marlene Rutkowski.
Born in Utica, Matthew attended Utica Free Academy where he played football and ran track; going on to receive his college degree at Eastern Oakland A & M. From an early age, he was an avid outdoorsman, hunter and fisherman. He was a conservationist; understanding nature and the interaction people have with the environment. A highlight of his sportsman activities was catching the New York State largemouth bass record which he held for over a decade. In 1957, he went into the Navy starting his lifelong career of flying. He served on the USS Saratoga until 1961. He continued flying in the reserves for another eight years. In 1964, he was hired by a small airline – Allegheny Airlines – ultimately retiring from USAirways in 1994.
His achievements in aviation included:
- 1,300 military flight hours
- Two cruises aboard USS Saratoga as a Special Weapons Pilot
- 200 carrier landings as attack pilot flying AD-6 1958-61.
- 23,000 commercial flight hours
- 30 years as captain on DC-9, MD80, 757, and 767.
Matthew was a committed husband and dedicated father. He will be greatly missed.
Calling hours will be held between 4 and 7 p.m. Friday, June 21, at Ayer & Zimmer Funeral Home, 38 Sullivan St. in Cazenovia. A mass of Christian burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 22, at St. James Catholic Church in Cazenovia. Burial will follow in St. James Cemetery, Cazenovia.
