Joseph Anthony Rukus, Sr.

Joseph Anthony Rukus, Sr., of East Hartford and formerly of Colchester, went home to the Lord peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday (Nov. 14, 2017).  Born March 22, 1940 in Hartford, he was the son of the late Charles and Anna (Tamoitis) Rukus.  Before his retirement in 2003, Mr. Rukus had taught both 4th and 5th grade students for the Colchester Public School system for 36 years.  Additionally, an Eagle Scout himself, he helped mentor countless other youth through Boy Scouting.  A man of great faith, Joe was a communicant of St. Andrew Parish in Colchester, where he was a Charter Member of the Spellman Council #6107 Knights of Columbus and an active member of the Choir.  He enjoyed participating on many of the pilgrimages as well as with the parish’s retreat league.  He also loved spending time near the water - be it fishing, boating or whale watching.  Survivors include his wife, Patricia (St. Pierre) Jacqueline Rukus; two children, Lisa Heller of Hartford and Joseph Rukus, Jr. of Jonesboro, AR; his stepdaughter, Lilly Jacqueline of East Hartford; three grandchildren, Michael and Victoria Rukus and Marisa Heller; his sister, Anne Tracy of Hartford; and numerous extended family and friends.  The Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated 10 AM Monday (Nov. 20th) directly at St. Andrew Church, 128 Norwich Avenue, Colchester.  There are no calling hours.  Burial will be private.  In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the National Kidney Foundation, 30 East 33rd Street, New York, NY 10016 (www.kidney.com).  Care of arrangements has been entrusted to the Aurora-McCarthy Funeral Home of Colchester.