Obituary of Richard J. Rutkowski

" Three Rivers, Richard J. Rutkowski, 50, of Off Larivierre St, died August 17 in Palmer. Born in Montague, Jan. 24, 1954, he was the son of Leocadia (Mosio) Rutkowski Plouf and Andrew Plouf of New Salem. Richard grew up in Granby and was a graduate of its high school. He worked for many years as a custodian in the Granby Schools and seasonally for five years for the National Park System in Wyoming. He later moved to Salt Lake City, UT for 8 years before returning to the area in October. He also served as the unofficial caretaker of Dufresne’s Recreational Park in Granby. Richard loved the outdoors and wildlife and was an avid environmentalist. Besides his mother and step father he also leaves his sister Mary Ann Wales and her husband Michael, his two brothers Walter and William, along with his niece Alise and nephew Derek. He also leaves his Aunt Stasia, Aunt Adelle and Uncle Walter, as well as many friends. A memorial service will be held on Monday, August 30 at 11:00 a.m. in the Beers & Story Belchertown Funeral Home, 10 Maple St, (Rte 202) followed by burial in West Cemetery, Granby. A calling hour will precede the service from 10:00-11:00 a.m. Donations may be made in his memory to either Kathy Leonard, c/o Dufresne Park, 250 State St. Granby, MA 01033 or to the National Audubon Society 208 South Great Rd., Lincoln, MA 01773."