Charles J. Rutkowski, 81, of Fairhaven died April 1, 2011 at Our Lady's Haven after a long illness.
Born in Fairhaven, the son of the late Charles and Alice (Wolan) Rutkowski, he lived in New Bedford most of life.
Mr. Rutkowski was formerly employed as a auto salesman for various dealerships in this area, until retiring from Poirier Auto in Fall River. He received numerous awards for car sales.
He was a graduate of Fairhaven High School, where he was an outstanding athlete.
Survivors include a son, Charles J. Rutkowski, Jr. of Minnesota; 5 daughters, Cheryl Tomasia and her husband David of Mattapoisett, Charlene Johnson and her husband Kenneth, Sharon Rochon and her husband Ronald, and Susan Pereira, all of New Bedford, and Katherine Corrao of Old Bridge, NJ; a sister, Barbara Loranger of Lakeville; 12 grandchildren; and 4 great-grandchildren. Special thanks to his best friend David Tomasia.
He was the brother of the late Dorathea Mevis, Irene Bourgeois and Anita Bramwell.
Visiting hours will be on Sunday, April 3rd from 4-6 PM in the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. His Graveside Service will be held on Tuesday, April 5th at 11 AM in Pine Grove Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.