POLAND - Prayers will be held Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Poland Chapel, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at the Holy Family Church for John W. Rutana, 82, who passed away Sunday morning at St. Elizabeth Boardman Health Center.
John was born Dec. 10, 1933, in New Springfield, a son of the late Walter and Mary Rutana.
John graduated from New Springfield High School and owned Viking Manufacturing, an aluminum fabrication company in Struthers. He later worked with his son in North Lima at Gold Star Industries.
He was an avid lottery player, bowled on a bowling league and for many years called Bingo at St. Paul the Apostle Church.
John loved his grandchildren and was known to everyone as the "Candy Man" when he attended their sporting events.
John is survived by his wife, the former, Irene B. Billec, whom he married Sept. 1, 1956; a daughter, Victoria (Dominic Sciulli) Rutana of Struthers; two sons, James J. (Maria) Rutana and David W. (Stacy) Rutana, both of Poland; nine grandchildren, Toby, Jennifer, Jessica, Danielle, John, Jason, Douglas, Jacob, and Elizabeth; three great-grandchildren, Kristina, Angela, and Nathan; and a sister, Eleanor Spicko of Newton Falls.
John was also preceded in death by a daughter, Bernadette Rutana; two sisters, Lottie and Julia; and three brothers, Stanley, Chester and Ted.
Family and friends may call today from 6 to 8 p.m. and Wednesday from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. at the funeral home.