Beloved father, grandfather, brother and uncle John Rutt, 73, of Stevens, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully January 4, 2025. He was born June 20, 1951 and resided in both Stevens, Pennsylvania and Chincoteague, Virginia. He attended Cocalico High School, and after becoming the Lancaster County Scoring Champion for basketball two years in a row, he received first team all county honors in 1969. In track, he was the county high jump record holder in 1969. He received a full basketball scholarship to Appalachian State University, leading the team in field goal percentage his junior year. He received his Bachelor of Science in Special Education from ASU in 1973. He was a truck driver for New Holland Product Test, where he earned the affectionate nickname “Smoke,” and went on to work in Sales, winning many awards over the years, and as a District Service Manager. After more than 30 years with New Holland, he “retired” to become a charter bus driver with Elite Coach in Ephrata, where he touched the lives of colleagues and passengers alike. In 2013, John accomplished his lifelong dream of building a beach house in Chincoteague, Virginia where he made many memories with family and friends. In May of 2023, at the age of 71, John passed both the National Pool and Spa Operator’s test and the American Red Cross’s Lifeguard Certification test in order to operate Maui Jack’s Waterpark, Chincoteague. He never stopped learning and achieving.
John was a man of devout Christian faith, a steadfast and dedicated reader of his well-loved brown leather Bible. He was a skilled hunter and fisherman, enjoying time at his hunting cabin in Potter County, Pennsylvania. He rarely missed a fishing, archery, or rifle season with his buddies at East Fork Rod and Gun Club. He loved spending time with his two daughters and three grandchildren. He loved the natural world, whether in the mountains or at the beach. Even after a difficult cancer diagnosis, John maintained a deep love of life, positive outlook, and an unshakeable faith.
He is survived by his daughter, Katrina Hayes and her husband Matthew; daughter, Amanda Konecke and her husband Jim; granddaughters, Quinn and Isla Hayes; grandson, Murphy Konecke; brothers Robert, Larry, and Neil Rutt; and many cherished nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
Visitation will be held on Fri. Jan. 10th from 5:00-7:00 p.m., at Good Sipler Funeral Centre, 34 N. Reamstown Rd., Reamstown (Stevens). A time of sharing will begin at 6 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center’s Stranding Response Program, which rescues and protects the sea turtles John loved: https://virginiaaquarium.com/give-to-stranding
