Joseph Rutyna

Joseph Ruytna, 92, passed away peacefully Friday May 6, 2022 at his Murrells Inlet residence.

Mr. Rutyna was formerly of Lakewood, Toms River, Manchester, North Arlington and Freehold, NJ.  Born in Irvington, NJ, he was the son of the late, Joseph and Helen Rutyna.  Mr. Ruytna was a World War II Veteran who proudly served in the South Pacific and during the occupation of Japan.  He was a 3rd Degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus, who enjoyed listening to country music, horses, motorcycles, fishing, spending a relaxing time at the lake and feeding and watching birds. Mr. Ruytna was a fan of John Wayne and enjoyed watching western and military movies.  He was a truck driver extraordinaire, owner of JR Movers and mentor to a whole generation of young truck drivers helping them to become the best they could be. His love for driving trucks was second only to his family and you could always find him talking to others about all things related to truck driving.  In addition to his parents, Mr. Rutyna is preceded in death by his loving wife, Margaret Rutyna and his sister, Helen Koth.

Survivors include his daughters and son in laws, Donna and Steven Mendez, Murrells Inlet, SC; Joanne and James Sahlender, Cape Coral, FL; grandchildren, Melissa Meklin, LaCenter, WA; Lt. Cmdr. Steven Mendez, Gulf Breeze, FL; Nicole Sullivan, Cape Coral, FL; Jennifer Innamorato, Edison, NJ; Robert Ferreri, Jr., Orlando, FL; 14 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren; nephew, Ralph Calello, Spring Hill, FL; niece, Francine D’ambrosio, Manchester, NJ and his beloved sister in law, Flora Calello, Manchester, NJ.

A Celebration of Life service will be held 12:00 PM Saturday June 18, 2022 at Outside Alive Farms in Myrtle Beach.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Mr. Rutyna’s name to Wandering Warriors Rugby – Fighting Veteran Homelessness at www.wanderingwarriorsrugby.org

The family would like to express a special “Thank You” to Traditions Health (Hospice) and the Nurses, Connie, Amy, Linda, Terry & Tracey; Chaplin Kimble and CNA’s, Kendra, Charie and Terry; Homeinstead Caregivers especially Diane, Donna and Sarah; Caregivers, Liz, Peggy and Eula; All of those at Kindred at Home; Lakes at Litchfield for Respite Stays especially, Ashley for all of your kindness; the VA for their help and services and to all the friends who provided support and love, you are appreciated more than you will ever know. You all brought joy and comfort to him and us and we will be forever grateful.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.burroughsfh.com

Burroughs Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Murrells Inlet (843.651.1440) is assisting the family.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.