December 29, 2011

WATERTOWN, N.Y.  —  Robert W. Rutherford, 83, of Bugbee Drive, passed away Thursday, Dec. 29, at Samaritan Medical Center.

Calling hours will be 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 2, at Cummings Funeral Service, Inc., Watertown, on Monday. A prayer service will be held 10:15 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 3, at the funeral home followed by the 11 a.m. funeral Mass celebrated at St. Anthony's Church with Rev. Donald Robinson officiating. Burial will be in Glenwood Cemetery.

Born Sept. 23, 1928, in Prescott, Ontario, the son of Donald W. and Jessie M. Snyder Rutherford, he graduated from Ogdensburg Free Academy, St. Lawrence University, and received his master's degree in psychology from Oswego State.

He entered the Army on Sept. 11, 1951. Serving in Korea. He received the Korean Service Medal with 3 Bronze Service Stars, the United Nations Service Medal, and the Presidential Unit Citation. He was honorably discharged as a Corporal on Sept. 4, 1953.

He married Florence J. Derrigo at St. Anthony's Church on Dec. 29, 1956. She died Nov. 26, 2004.

In September 1970, he began his career at Jefferson Community College, retiring in August 1991 as an associate psychology professor. During his tenure, he was a student academic adviser and the adviser for the Chi Delta Phi fraternity from 1971 to 1972.

Mr. Rutherford was a communicant of St. Anthony's Church. 

He was a member of the American Legion Post 61, VFW Post 1400, Elks Lodge #496, and the Italian American Club. He was also a long-time member of the Watertown Golf Club. 

After his retirement, he and his wife, Florence enjoyed traveling to Florida and Myrtle Beach. As a couple they would meet their friends in the morning at Alteri's Bakery and he continued the tradition after her death.

Surviving are a son and his wife, Donald W. and Diane M. Rutherford, Watertown; a daughter and her husband, Jessica M. and Christopher Amedeo, Cortland; two grandchildren, Christopher and Amanda Amedeo, Cortland, and Cory Rutherford, Watertown; three great-grandchildren, Cole, Madison, and Samantha Amedeo; three cousins, Carl and Fred Snyder, both of British Columbia, and Nancy Sullivan, Ogdensburg.

Donations in his name may be made to either the Sisters of the Precious Blood, 400 Pratt St., or to St. Anthony's Church, 850 Arsenal St., both in Watertown, NY 13601.

Information provided by Cummings Funeral Service and Newzjunky.com, Watertown