Thomas John Rutter, Sr., age 65, resident of 3711 Crane Road, Edinboro, PA. died unexpectedly on Tuesday, March 26, 2013 at Saint Vincent Health Center, Erie, PA. Born on April 27, 1947 in Meadville, PA, Thomas was a son of Donna Chambers Rutter and the late Wilbert John Rutter.

Rutter, Thomas John Sr.Thomas graduated from Cambridge Springs High School with the Class of 1965 and worked for American Viscose in Meadville. For the past 30 years he was the owner and operator of Tom Rutter Auto Repair in Fairview Township, Erie County and also for the past 15 years owned Her Gun Shop in Fairview Township. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and was known as being a friend to all.

Surviving Thomas in addition to his mother, Donna Fagg of Saegertown; his companion -Delores Hook; three sons – Thomas J. Rutter, Jr of Venango; Marty R. Rutter and his wife, Tiffany of Venango; and Bryan K. Rutter of Myrtle Beach, SC; five daughters – Melanie Smith and her husband, Bill of Saegertown; Whisper Romeo and her husband, Gary of Venango; Kristy Rutter of Charlotte, NC; Danielle Thompson of Sharon, PA; and Tonya Thompson of Newark, OH. In addition, Thomas is survived by 19 grandchildren – Bryanna, Canyon, Dakota, Dylan, Dalton, Willow Tekoda, River of Fire, Cyrus, Atreil, Brock, Grayson, Destini, Dachon, Davarreon, Christopher, Cajhaun, Donavin, Madison, and Xavier; and a great grandson – Aiden. He is also survived by a two sisters – Carol Ester and her husband, Bernard of Wattsburg and Laura Merritt and her husband, Roy, of Venango and a brother – Paul Rutter and his wife, Kathryn of Venango and two former wives – Dawna Tracy of Saegertown and Carol Ann Rutter of Erie.

Friends may call at the Van Matre Funeral Home, 306 Erie Street, Edinboro on Friday from 2-4 and 7-9. Funeral services will be held there Saturday morning at 11:00 with Reverend Bill Cox, pastor at McLane Church in Edinboro, officiating. Interment will be in Venango Cemetery.

Donations may be given in Tom’s name to the family in care of the Van Matre Funeral Home.