Melvin Rutkowski

Melvin J. “Bud” Rutkowski, Jr.

July 7, 1942 – September 13, 2021

Bud Rutkowski passed away at his home in Urbanna in hospice care on September 13, 2021 after a courageous struggle with cancer. He was loved and cared for during this time by his supportive family, including his former wife, Donna, his children Michael Rutkowski, Kati Rutkowski and Max Feldman, and Grace Rutkowski, as well as his sister Jackie Rutkowski and his close friend, Diane Bernal.

Bud was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin J. Rutkowski, Sr. and Frances Rutkowski, and his sister, Gerry Ayers. Bud enjoyed the love and support of his immediate family, and over the years he was especially close with Debrin Wise, John Michael Cox (deceased), David Cox (deceased), Randy Weaver, Roy Weaver, and their children.

In his early life,, Bud served in several parishes in the Archdiocese of Baltimore as well as with Catholic Charities, before marrying and moving to Urbanna. He and his wife Donna raised their three children within a warm and welcoming community, along with a parade of several cats and dogs.

Seeing a need in the community, he worked alongside local residents to co-found the interfaith organization Hands Across Middlesex, which provides various services to county residents in need. He was honored to serve as its first President. In time, Hands Across Middlesex also had a role in forming Habitat for Humanity/Middlesex County.

In addition, Bud was especially proud to assist the regional area as a mental health counselor with the Middle Peninsula –Northern Neck Community Services Board. This particular work directly related to his personal interests and his educational background in social work and adult education.

Bud thoroughly enjoyed traveling within the U.S. and Canada, as well as throughout any part of the wider world he found of interest. He managed travel agencies for many years as well as as owning his own travel business in Virginia. Over the course of his life, he was thrilled to visit numerous countries, explore his Polish heritage, and marveled at the way things are and how they could be in societies and cultures around the world. He was full of wonder and curiosity.

Bud asked that these words be included here to express his gratitude to his family and his community:

I am amazed at a ceaseless creativity that has brought me to this time in my life.

Let me praise all creation with a grateful heart.

To my family and friends I wish good health.

Remember me, “as you wish” (a phrase from one of the family’s favorite films).

The family will have a private gathering to celebrate his life.

In lieu of flowers, Bud requested donations be made to a cause furthering Justice and Peace, such as the local organizations he was a vital part of, or other, like-minded non-profit organizations. He sincerely believed in the value of the individual.