Wayne A. Rutz Jr., 54, of Durhamville

DURHAMVILLE >> Wayne A. Rutz Jr., age 54, of Durhamville passed away Friday evening March 31, 2017 in Upstate Hospital with his loving family at his side.

He was born on Jan. 5, 1963 in Rome, N.Y., a son of Wayne and Shirley Rutz Sr. and was a 1981 graduate of V.V.S. Central School.

On Oct. 22, 1983 Wayne and Donna were united in marriage in Rome, N.Y. and have shared this loving union of 33 years together.

Wayne was owner of Rutz Contracting Inc. of Rome, N.Y. since 1987. His work was his passion and he took pride in everything he accomplished.

Wayne was the man with miles of smiles, who lived larger than life and could brighten anybody’s day. He truly enjoyed his family and cherished every one of them, especially his grandson, who made his days much brighter since his diagnosis of multiple myeloma. Wayne was also an avid outdoorsman and spent his spare time at the Rutz’s Hunting Club and the Camden Rod and Gun Club. He was a snowmobile enthusiast whose memberships included the Taberg Trail Blazers, the Tri-Valley Trail Riders and the West Rome Riders. Wayne also assisted local volunteer fire departments in any way he could.

Surviving are his wife, Donna J. (Jones) Rutz of Durhamville; one daughter and sonin-law, Sharee and Jared Fink of Verona; one son, Wayne A. Rutz III; one grandson, Wyatt Fink; his father and his companion, Wayne A. Rutz Sr. and Kathie Nole of Rome; grandmother, Rose Rutz of Rome; three sisters and two brothers-in-law, Annette Rutz of North Carolina, Rose (Bill) Boardman of Taberg and Mary (Mark) Gerace of Rome; several nieces and nephews, and many special friends.

Wayne was predeceased by his mother, Shirley (Piersall) Rutz and grandfather, William Rutz.

Family and friends are invited to call on Thursday, April 6, 2017 from noon to 2 p.m. and 4-8 p.m. at the Verona Seventh Day Baptist Church, 6773 Blackmans Corners Road, Verona, N.Y. 13478. Funeral services will be held Friday, April 7, 2017 at 11 a.m. at the church. Burial will be private.

Arrangements are with the Malecki Funeral Home Inc. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Wayne may be sent to New London Fire Department and Camden Rod and Gun Club. Online condolences may be sent to maleckifuneralhome.com