David Raymond Rutkowski, age 93, of Suspense Dr., passed away peacefully on Monday, January 26th, 2026 at CarePartners Solace Center in Asheville surrounded by his loving family. A native of Lake Como, PA, he was a son of the late John and Sophia Rutkowski. He was also preceded in death by his first wife, Joyce Fischer Rutkowski and his second wife, Sharon Crandall Rutkowski; brothers: Ralph, Carl and Tony Rutkowski and sisters: Dorthy Tedesco, Rose Stanton and Irene Adams.
David lived a life rooted in faith, family, and honest, hands-on work. Being one of ten children, he learned the importance of hard work and family growing up and working on a farm in New York working long days reaping, teddering, raking and bailing hay. He loved the outdoors—hunting, fishing, chopping wood, cutting trees, and working the land brought him deep satisfaction. When he wasn’t working, his friends would catch him outside enjoying God’s beauty while reading and studying His word. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army with the 11th Airborne Division in Alaska from 1953 to 1955. During his time in the military, David served for one year as an Airborne Instructor at West Point Military Academy. A faithful member of Mountain Glory Ministries in Burnsville, David treasured his church, reading the Bible, and time with his children and grandchildren. He took pride in construction and building, continually improving and adding onto his home. David also enjoyed running his backhoe, always helping his fellow neighbors rebuilding their roads and homes during the horrific devastation of Hurricane Frances.
Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife, Nancy Rutkowski; son, Kevin Rutkowski (Debra) of Binghamton, NY; sisters: Faye Pribula of Forest City, PA, Leona Pfhal (Dennis) of Clifford, PA and Shirley Thomas (Jim) of Mt. Cobb, PA; grandchildren: Ian Rutkowski (Hannah) of Aledo, TX and Hilary Manning (Cody) of Liverpool, NY; great-grandchildren: Hudson and Brooks Rutkowski both of Aledo, TX and Flora and Eliza Manning, both of Liverpool, NY; step-daughters: Bonnie Bosch of Gastonia, NC and Debbie Crandall of Willet New York; and step-sons: Stephen Crandall of Charlotte, NC and Nathanael Bengtson of Johnstown, PA
Funeral Services will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, February 3rd, 2026 in the chapel of Yancey Funeral Services. Rev. Buddy Waterman will officiate. The family will receive friends from 11:30 a.m. until 12:45 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home. Graveside services will be held in the late Spring at Balls Eddy Cemetery in Winterdale, PA with U.S. Army Military Honors.
In lieu of flowers please consider donating to one of the following organizations. Care Partners Hospice Solace Center at 21 Belvedere Rd, Asheville, NC 28803, St Labre Indian School at 112 St Labre Way Campus Drive, Ashland, MT 59003 or to Yancey County Volunteer Rescue Squad at 718 W Main St, Burnsville, NC 28714.
To send online condolences, please visit our website at www.yanceyfuneralservice.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Yancey Funeral Services in Burnsville, NC.
