Anthony Allan Rutledge

Tony 78, of Kailua Oahu, passed away on March 24, 2025, in Kailua, exactly 5 months and 1 day after his daughter Abbey. He was surrounded by his family and left them peacefully but broken hearted.

Tony was born July 21,1946 at Queens Hospital, to Art & Lucille Rutledge, he was their 2nd child out of 3 children. Tony grew up on Puunui Ave. in Nuuanu. He attended Ma’ema’e Elementary School. The family later moved to Waikiki and Tony then attended Thomas Jefferson Elementary. The family once again moved to Kahala where they made that their family home. Tony then went to Kaimuki Intermediate and then on to Kalani High School.

Tony was a PROUD graduate of Kalani High School, class of 1964. While he was at Kalani he was a lineman for the football team for all 3 years. He also played in the band in his Sophomore & Junior Year. His instrument of choice was the clarinet, but he never played it in public.

After high school, Tony left for college and attended Santa Barbara City College. Upon his return he married his high school sweetheart Audrey Ann Abbey in 1966, they were married for a total 58. They made their home in Kailua and still live today. They had 2 boys 17 months apart then 9 years later had 2 girls. Talk about a proud Dad he had a complete family.

Tony’s favorite pastime was spending time at the family beach home in Punaluu with his family and friends. You could find him on the beach with his fishing pole hoping for a bite which he did get several times. Tony loved golfing too.

“Tony spent his life working for Local 5 as a business agent and organizer, as an elected officer, and as an elected head of the union for 17 years. During his years leading Local 5, he also served as a Vice President of the H.E.R.E International Union. He was known as a skilled negotiator and led union members in several significant strikes, including the statewide hotel strike in 1990. Tony was trained by his father Arthur Rutledge. the founder of Local 5, and he also worked for the Hawaii Teamsters during the years when his father Rutledge was the leader of both the Hotel Workers and Teamster Unions. In 1990, Tony won a contested board election and assumed leadership of Unity house, Inc., a holding company for union assets. Under his leadership, Unity House was instituted to help the retirees, school scholarships and other programs for the hotel and teamster unions.

Tony retired in 2000 and focused his time on his family and family businesses in recent years”.

Tony is survived by his wife Audrey Ann Rutledge, Sons Anthony A. Rutledge Jr. (Kim), Aaron A. Rutledge (Hauoli), Daughter Angela Rutledge, Sister Anna Camenson, Sister in laws Lynette Rutledge & BJ Abbey, Brother-in-law Art Abbey, 25 Grandchildren & 2 Great Granddaughters, 2 Nieces & 1 Nephew.

Tony is predeceased by his daughter, Abbey Rutledge, Parents, Art & Lucille Rutledge, Brother, Arthur Rutledge Jr., Nephew, Tony Scarfone and his In Laws Arthur & Mary Jane Abbey.

Services will be held on June 7, 2025, at Borthwick Mortuary Maunakea Chapel.

Visitation 10:30 AM with Services to follow.