Adam Mutu

Senior Master Sergeant (SMSgt.)

USAF/USAF Reserve

October 8, 1930

November 18, 2025

Adam Mutu, age 95, born in Uzdin, Yugoslavia to Maria and Yanku Mutu in the fall of 1930. As his mother recalled, “he was born after the crops were harvested but before the first freeze”. His early years were a struggle. His father, absent fighting for the United States in World War II; living with his Evangelical “Preacher” grandfather and his Orthodox mother in a land under Nazi control, he was hungry most of the time and in fear all the time.

Adam moved to the United States with his parents at age 14. Following in his father’s footsteps, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. He became an American Citizen, and he was proud to call himself a Military Man of 42 plus years, earning many distinctions.

Senior Master Sergeant

Senior Food Service Specialist, Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Mount Clemens, Michigan

Awards and Citations

Air Force Commendation Medal

Air Force Presidential Unit Citation

Air Force Outstanding Unit Award

Army Good Conduct Metal

Air Force Good Conduct Medal

Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal

National Defense Service Medal

Korean Service Medal

Armed Forced Expeditionary Medal

Air Force Longevity Ribbon

Armed Forces Reserve Medal

Air Force Small Arms Expert Ribbon

Upon serving in the Korean War and completing his Active Duty, he joined the Air Force Reserves and enrolled in Wolverine School of Trades in Detroit, Michigan where he perfected his skills in the areas he enjoyed most. He completed Certifications in:

Auto Body Collision, June 4, 1958

Automotive Transmissions, June 25, 1956

Auto Mechanics, December 14, 1955

Additional classes included electrical, plumbing, building construction, roofing and cement work.

In his retirement, he enjoyed these as hobbies. He did all of his own auto repairs and home improvements. He was proud of his work and was especially proud of the fact that he could do everything himself.

He married the love of his life, Ruby Pearl Roberts Page Mutu in March 1957. He had financially been supporting his extended family in Yugoslavia for many years and he then took on a wife and her 3 children. Later in life he proudly pondered his life choices and his success in life, love and prosperity. He’d say “not bad for a kid who came to America with only a suitcase”.

Employed for 30 years by Ford Motor Company as a Fork Lift Driver and a Union Member in Sterling Heights, MI, where he lived in Hazel Park, Michigan. He raised 5 children and made sure they always had what he did not have as a child: shoes and plenty of food.

Upon retirement, he moved with Ruby to Bonita Springs, Florida where he remodeled his home, fixed his cars, and went to the beach every evening at sunset to bob in the Gulf of Mexico on a truck-tire inner tube. He called these “the Golden Years”. He loved to cook. He opened his home and entertained family and friends with food and drink at every opportunity.

In 2017, a hurricane flooded their home in Florida and he made the decision to move with Ruby to Clayton, NC. Here he lived with his youngest daughter, Diane and her husband Chris, who cared for him until he took his last breath on November 18, 2025 at 2:45 pm in his bed in a quiet, calm, peaceful transition. He was physically strong and alert until the end. He repeatedly announced “Ruby is waiting for me“. He was ready to exit and reunite with her.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister Sofica Kotec, his wife, Ruby and her son, Gene Alexander Page. He endured the loss of his pet dogs: Lucky and then Rusty. In the old country, he had a pony named Minu and a dog named Poopa.

He is survived by 4 of the 5 children he raised: Ruby Colleen Page Bucchare of Macomb, MI, Valarie L. Page Alvey (Kevin) of Broomfield, CO, Maria Sue Mutu Hubbuch (Mark) of Naples, FL and Adam Diane Cuc (Christopher) of Clayton, NC; 12 grandchildren: Angela Raedel (Scott) of Clinton Twp, MI, Lisa Radjewski (Chris) of Macomb, MI, Vincent Bucchare (Jenifer) of Macomb, MI, James Blair of Brookings, OR, Shannon Kelsay of Broomfield, CO, Jennifer Millette (Justin) of Thornton, CO, Jason Page (Andrea) of Chesterfield, MI, Paul Page (Sarah) of Bonita Springs, FL, Matthew Page-Rash (Michael) of Cape Coral, FL, Dani (Grant) of NC, Sarah Rixon (Joseph) of Avenel, NJ, Elizabeth Anshutz (Ryan) of Turlock CA; 25 great grandchildren: Travis, Samantha, Mathew, Allyson, Johnny, Melanie, Austin, Hailey, Ashley, Chase, Chandler, Allison, Jacobe, Arial, Caleb, Kanyon, Natalie, Lucas, Julianne, Jason Jr, Jacob, Henry Mutu, Caleb, Olive, Ruby; 5 great-great grandchildren, Ezra, Khora, Avarey, Avayah, Jaxson; nephews and nieces Rick Roberts (Deb) of Ontario Canada, Kimmi Shearer of Ontario Canada, Kelly Shearer of Ontario Canada, Patricia Godfroy of Ontario Canada, Maria Jaska of Northville MI, Diane Mezin (Nick) of Washington Twp MI, Jonel Jaska of Northville MI, Christina Colf (Jeffrey) of Farmington Hills MI, Elena Keta of Washington Twp MI , John Keta (Renee) of Shelby Twp MI.

He was generous, but would not tolerate wastefulness, especially with food. He shared what he had with his family, his neighbors and friends. He had a keen mind for numbers and math. He practiced calculations and percentages in his head just to stay sharp. He always carried a pocket full of US currency. He was frugal with his money and his purchases. He paid cash and never owed a penny to anyone. A devoted husband of 65 years, a father that told us he loved us. A boisterous man who spoke his mind and never made excuses for himself. He prayed, he loved, he sang and he danced. His life was loud and full. He lived his life his way, the best way that made sense to him. We honor his life. We remember his words. We appreciate his efforts. May he go to the Light of God and rest in peace.