Russel J. Dutkiewicz

Russel J. Dutkiewicz, of Georgetown, Texas, passed away on December 14 after a short battle with lymphatic cancer diagnosed on December 1. A memorial service will be held at the Palace Theater on Wednesday, January 4, 2011 at 2 p.m. All are welcome to attend.

He is survived by Ellen, his wife of 41 years; brother Richard Klimas, wife Sandra and nephew Eric, of Wallingford, CT; brother John Dutkiewicz and wife Jain of The Villages, FL. He is also survived by sons John (Bill) W. Corp III of Sacramento, California and Patrick Corp of Roanoke, Virginia. Grandchildren are Christopher Corp and Kerry Corp of Virginia; Brittany Corp and Russel Corp of California; Great-granddaughter Alexandria Corp of Virginia, aged 11 months. He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Dutkiewicz, twin sister, Helen Packer, and stepfather, John Dutkiewicz, all of Connecticut.

Russel was born in New Britain, Connecticut on February 4, 1939 and had a twin sister, Helen. He spent his early life in Connecticut and attended Canton High School, in Collinsville. He joined the Marine Corp at 17 years old and went to boot camp at Parris Island, South Carolina. Russ was proud to be a Marine and loved the travel, stability and opportunities the Corp provided him. He was a Marine who preferred action to spit and polish and often volunteered for duty that took him on dangerous assignments. His Far East tour took him to the Philippines, Guam, Taiwan, Japan and Viet Nam. Climbing Mt Fuji in Japan was one of his fond memories. He was an excellent shot, and received a Sharpshooter medal in the Marines. California became his home after being discharged there in 1959. For a few years, he co-owned a chicken farm in Corning, California with his first wife’s family. During that same period, he attended a seminary and was a lay minister in a Pentecostal church.

After marrying Ellen in 1970, his caring presence provided a stable home for Ellen and her two sons, Bill and Patrick, in San Jose, California. He retained the boys love, affection and respect as adults. Russ was a fisherman, both deep sea and fly fishing, and enjoyed deer hunting and camping with the family as the boys were growing up. He coached Little League teams for both.

Russ and Ellen relocated from Orangevale, California to Georgetown when his employer, Sierra Microwave Technology, moved in 1992. He was a highly skilled machinist who was capable of producing precision milled, and often tiny, parts for the electronics industry.

He became a member of the Sertoma Club of Georgetown in 1992, with his wife Ellen, the first service club either had ever joined. Sertoma provided 19 years of good friends, fun, hard work, and the satisfaction of giving back to the community. He was an active and faithful member up to his death.

The Palace Theater was another major interest. Russ became a board member in early 1993 and remained a dedicated participant till his death. Trying to generate revenue and interest in the Palace, he produced a popular monthly live Bluegrass show on-stage in 2003 -2004. Later, his volunteer position as Facilities Manager had him on-call for various problems dealing with operational malfunctions, contracting services, overseeing projects and picking up supplies. The Tin Barn renovation consumed many hours of his time. His last major involvement was installing and problem solving an inductive hearing loop in the Palace auditorium with Estes Audiology and the Sertoma Club. He had a real passion for the Palace and saw it through some tough financial times and a 2-year renovation. The best interests of the theater were always foremost in his efforts.

In recent years, The Heritage Community Garden in Georgetown provided Russ an opportunity for growing vegetables and also volunteerism. He cared for the large flower garden there and worked on the refurbishing of the green house this summer. The director knew she could count on him when needed.

Flowers are welcomed and can be sent to the Palace Theater for the memorial. If you prefer, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Palace Theater at 810 S. Austin Avenue, Georgetown, TX 78626 or Georgetown Sertoma Club, P.O. Box 853, Georgetown, TX 78627-0853.

Arrangements by Cook-Walden Davis Funeral Home, 2900 Williams Drive, Georgetown, Texas 78628 (512)863-2564.