Paul Michael Rutkovsky Jr

Birth date: Oct 15, 1947 Death date: Apr 27, 2026

Paul M. Rutkovsky, 78, passed away April 27, 2026, in Tallahassee, Florida. Paul was born in Norwich, Connecticut on October 15, 1947, to Paul and Genevieve Rutkovsky. After high school, at the Norwich Free Academy, he obtained h Read Obituary

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231 E 6th Ave, Tallahassee FL 32303

(850) 765-3190

Ashlynn Brandstetter

6d ago

Paul was one of the most selfless and authentically kind people I have ever had the honor to meet. He nourished the Tallahassee community and would have given anyone the shirt off of his back if they needed it. He made Tallahassee feel like home for so many, including myself and my cohort of art therapists to be. This picture was taken after our first official Art in the Park ‘till Dark event where we hosted workshops from sun up to sun down. It was truly one of the best moments we shared together as he expressed feeling grateful knowing that even after he was gone, the work he cared so deeply about would continue on. I am so beyond appreciative to have known Paul and to be inspired by such a passionate and compassionate person. His presence has been deeply missed, but his impact will not be forgotten. Thank you, Paul, for everything you did and continue to do through the people you touched.

Rebecca Krueger

7w ago

WOw. What a shock to hear that Paul is gone. His teachings and wondrous ways certainly live on. I can never forget the Art Alley and the Plant and how special that space is. My heart hurts to know he's not with us any more, but I'm glad for his spirit's journey into the next phase. He modeled how to treat people well, how to appreciate plants, and how to make space for the absurd and unusual. I hope he went out wearing his potato chip bag jacket that he made. Bye Paul, thanks for all that you are and do.

Billy Blair

11w ago

I am so saddened to learn of Professor Paul's passing. I first met him in 2015 at The Plant on Gaines, where he was so kind to allow me to create and display artwork and volunteer. He was so supportive of the All-Saint's community and it's odd ducks like myself. The stray alley cats and I are so thankful to have known such a decent, creative and honest man. We miss you Paul. Rest easy.

Donna Pearl Cotterell

12w ago

I will never forget performances we had at The Plant. Paul gave Indaba Theatre a home and safe space to do our work. I have so many fond memories of Paul and the people he helped create magic through the years. Rest easy Paul.

Donna Pearl Cotterell

12w ago

I’m deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Paul. He gave Indaba Theatre our first home in Tallahassee and always supported our work. Our community has lost a great one. Sleep easy Paul. Your earthly work is done.

Megumi Naganoma

12w ago

in honor of Paul.

Paul knew me when I was going through a very difficult time in my life- he knew of it to a degree. He instilled positivity and challenged me as an art student. His love of doodling stuck with me and became a very important part of my own healing journey and artistic practice. This man was pure of heart and only had light to give. I’ve spoken of his classes often; mostly recently two weeks ago, and it was a conversation full of laughter and smiles. He’s already tremendously missed.

A stylized graphic of a sun with golden yellow center and radiant yellow beams on a soft turquoise background.

Keefykat Wafflehous

12w ago

Paul was my connection to Tallahassee. We did an event between me in Baltimore, him in Tallahassee, and a colleague in Rio.
That art event ended up with him recognising me in passing in a hallway in NY. He invited me to interview with FSU, and they ended up offering me a job. I've been here ever since 1996. We did many fun art events together. He was always a positive influence on my art.

As long as we live, he remains as a part of us, and lives through us.

Thank you Paul, for your life of inspiration and absurdity.

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Lifesong Funerals & Cremations - Tallahassee

231 E 6th Ave, Tallahassee FL 32303

(850) 765-3190

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