John Joseph Rutledge, Jr

John Joseph Rutledge Jr., 68, died Thursday, June 15th, in Lakeland, FL.

John was born May 20th, 1955, in Massapequa, New York, and was the son of the late John Joseph Rutledge Sr. and Joan Woglom Rutledge. He attended the University of Maryland, graduating with a degree in biological sciences in 1977. During college, he served as the president of the Delta Upsilon fraternity. He attended Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, graduating in 1984. Following medical school, he completed his residency training in anesthesia and served for three years in the U.S. Navy as an officer in Charleston, SC. John went on to have a long and admirable career as an anesthesiologist and was passionate about providing the best care possible to his patients.

John was an avid reader and enjoyed sharing his love and knowledge of sci-fi films and books. He loved traveling, exploring new cities, and spending time with his three daughters and two granddaughters. His kindness, generosity, and selflessness will never be forgotten.

He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law Lauren and Philip Hopewell of Nashville, TN; daughter and son-in-law Brooke and John Cook of Lakeland, FL; daughter Jenna Rutledge of Memphis, TN; and granddaughters Ella June Hopewell and Maeve Cook. He is also survived by his siblings Paul and Kathy Rutledge of Breinigsville, PA; Ann and Glenn Kapuscinski of Burtonsville, MD; Ginny and David Mosby of Zionsville, Indiana; and William and Christina Rutledge of Broomall, PA.

Memorial services are scheduled for Saturday, June 24th at 11:00 AM at All Saints’ Episcopal Church in Lakeland, FL.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Heart Association.