Patrick K Rutledge

Patrick Kenneth Rutledge passed away November 12, 2022, at age 75.

Patrick lived his life fully and with zest and joy. He was passionate about his music, his art, and his love for his wife and soulmate of over thirty years, Rochelle. He was born on Dec. 10, 1946, in Canaan CT, the oldest of 4 children.  He began piano at an early age. His teacher recognized his extraordinary gift, teaching him through college. Patrick declined an opportunity at Julliard and graduated from Western Connecticut State College where he majored in music. He was proud of his army service (1967-69) and earned accolades and awards as a drill instructor.

Patrick moved to Charleston in the 1970s.  He worked at MUSC in the IT department. At night he played music gigs all around Charleston. Patrick served on Sullivan’s Island Town Council from 1993 to 2001, where he was known as “Landslide Rutledge.” He retired from a twenty-year career with General Dynamics in 2009 at the Charleston Naval Hospital, to pursue art and music while also becoming an excellent chef. He loved driving his Corvette “Black Beauty.”

Patrick was a true Renaissance man--a gifted pianist in classical, jazz, and extemporaneous music, an oil painter, a fly fisherman, an amateur astronomer, an IT person, and a project manager. His most treasured accomplishment and gift, and the one that stayed with him till his last breath, was his love for his wife, Rochelle, soulmates into the next dimension.

Patrick is predeceased by his parents Thelma and Ken Rutledge; sister Pamela Packard; brother-in-law David Cohen.

He is survived by his wife Dr. Rochelle Rutledge; brothers James Rutledge (Nancy), Glenn Rutledge (Lee); brother-in-law Allan Packard; sisters-in-law Janice Winter (Perry) and Nancy Cohen; as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Patrick’s life will be held Wednesday December 21, 2022, at 2 pm.  High Thyme Cuisine, 2213 Middle St, Sullivan’s Island. 

In lieu of flowers, please donate to these charities:

Charleston Symphony Orchestra (see link below)

College of Charleston - Department of Music

https://music.cofc.edu/concerts/international-piano-series/support-ips/index.php

Instructions: Make your gift here (Under "Designation" select "Other" and under "How Would You Like to Direct Your Donation" type "International Piano Series - R215") 

Alzheimer's Association - https://www.alz.org/sc?form=alz_donate