Gusna R. Rutledge

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Gusna Russell “Gus” Rutledge, who died at home on September 4, 2025 after a brief illness at the age of 89. 

Born on May 31, 1936 in Newark, N.J., Gus was the son of Angus Rutledge, who immigrated from Sydney, Nova Scotia in Canada, and Anna Rutledge (nee Csehová), who immigrated from Zahorska Bystrica, in present-day Slovakia. An active outdoorsman and builder, he was known for his focus on sportsmanship, gentlemanly conduct and devising a solution for almost any problem. 

With his first wife (Carol Hart, deceased), Gus was father to and leaves behind: Gus Jr. (Toni), Tammy (John Redos), John (Cathy), and Patrick. He is also survived by his second wife Virginia, and leaves behind stepchildren: Walter Hoenes, Kristen (John Horner), and Julie (Jim Palitto). Gus’ older sister, Nancy, and her husband, Tony Ferraro, predeceased him, but Gus’ niece Ann and nephew Tony survive him. Gus is also survived by his younger brother Peter Rutledge and his family. Gus also left behind six grandchildren: Amy Rutledge, Veronica Rutledge, Jessica Rutledge, Sam Rutledge, John Redos (Suzana), Evan Redos; five step-grandchildren: Rachel Horner Bruynell (Thomas), Erin Horner, Morgan Horner, Sean Horner, Jay Palitto; and one great grandchild: Mattias Redos. 

Gus received his education at Somerville High School in Somerville, NJ (class of 1955) and was a 1955 NJ state champion wrestler. He was inducted into Somerville High’s Hall of Fame for both wrestling and football. Later Gus attended Bowling Green University in Ohio. For decades Gus worked as a builder and a carpenter. He was a longtime member of Somerville Local No. 455 of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners.

Also for decades, Gus served as an exempt fireman of Somerville Hook and Ladder Company. His volunteer work included 19 years as a board member of the Warren County Technical School. In Lopatcong Township, where he resided, Gus volunteered over the years for the Township’s Board of Adjustment, Shade Tree Commission, and Rent Leveling Board. He was a longtime Republican County Committee member. 

Gus was a contributing member of several fraternal or sports-related organizations including: Phillipsburg Lodge No. 52, Free and Accepted Masons of New Jersey; Scottish Rite of Freemasonry (32nd Degree) in Washington, DC; Friendship Lodge No. 12, Independent Order of Odd Fellows of Washington, DC; Somerville Fish and Game Club; Happy Honkers Goose Hunting Club; and Raritan Yacht Club in Perth Amboy, NJ. 

With his wife Virginia (Ginni), Gus owned the 46-foot ocean racing sailboat “Fame” and the two of them, joined by their happy 16-member sailing crew, helmed the boat for decades during races in Raritan Bay, New York Harbor, and around Long Island. Fame won the Governors’ Cup Race representing New Jersey versus New York. In addition to sailing and racing, Gus’ other interests and activities included shooting sports, fly fishing, fly tying, downhill and cross-country skiing, camping, hiking, canoeing, fencing, reading about history, political philosophy, and outdoor sports, woodworking, photography, small airplane piloting, and a recent keen interest in drone piloting.

Family and Friends may pay their respects on Sunday, November 9, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Warren Hills Memorial Home, 234 West Washington Ave., Washington, NJ 07882. A memorial service celebrating Gus’s life will immediately follow in the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Gus’ preferred charity: The Masonic and Eastern Star Home Charities of D.C. at https://www.meshdc.org.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Warren Hills Memorial Home. To send an online condolence please visit www.warrenhillsmemorialhome.com.