Rutledge Currie,81

With profound sadness, we announce the unexpected passing of Rutledge “Hut” Withers Currie, age 81, on April 25, 2024, at his home in Williamstown, MA.

Rutledge was born in Charlotte, NC, on July 12, 1942, to Sarah Withers Currie and Daniel Allan Currie. He was raised in Chevy Chase, MD, and graduated from Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School (’60), Washington and Lee University (‘64.), and then Yale School of Medicine (‘68), where he made lifelong friends.

Rutledge was lucky enough to find the love of his life, Arletta “Letty” Ertling, when they met at Yale New Haven Hospital. Their love story began on one of their first dates when they went to a park to fly a kite. Arletta watched Rutledge as he taught a few children at the park how to fly the kite, and she could see his kindness and knew then that he was a good man and would be a wonderful father one day. They were married in January 1969 and spent forty-eight loving years together, building their lives, raising a family, and caring for those in their community.

Rutledge began his medical career in internal medicine by serving in the Public Health Service in Pawnee, OK. He then moved with his young family to Connecticut and later Massachusetts before specializing in radiology. In 1984, the Currie family settled in Williamstown, where Rutledge worked as a radiologist for many years at North Adams Regional Hospital with his dear friend and medical school colleague, Dr. Daniel Becker.

Outside of work, Rutledge enjoyed all the adventures of country living. He loved riding his tractor, reading by the fireplace, and hiking to pick wild raspberries. Rutledge loved cheering on his grandkids, laughing with his brother, and having breakfast at the Moonlight Diner with friends. He was thoughtful and loved learning something new and having lively conversations about natural history, sports, and WWII. Rutledge was an active member of the First Congregational Church in Williamstown, and he helped in any way he could, including a term as moderator. Rutledge will be remembered for his inexhaustible patience, generosity, and devotion to his family. His children and grandchildren thought the world of him; he was amazing and brilliant, the kindest and funniest man they have ever known.

Rutledge was predeceased by his wife, Arletta, in 2016. He leaves behind his children: Elizabeth Skinner (Andrew), Deborah Currie, Sarah Currie (David Lachman), and Daniel Currie (Allison Glover). Rutledge was a caring grandfather, joyfully sharing his love for six cherished grandchildren: Malcolm, Euphemia, Mia, Izabel, Rutledge, and Katherine. Rutledge is survived by his brothers, John Currie and Daniel Allan Currie, Jr.; his niece, Cameron Currie Rabon (Joshua); grandnieces Margaret, Lillian, and Sadie; nephews, Rutledge, and William Currie; and his loving cousins. Rutledge also leaves his beloved, sweet granddog, Daisy.

Calling hours will be held at Flynn Dagnoli West Chapel at 521 West Main Street, North Adams, on Thursday, May 16, from 4 - 6 p.m. A memorial service is scheduled at the First Congregational Church, 906 Main Street, Williamstown, on Friday, May 17, at 11 a.m., followed by interment at Eastlawn Cemetery and then a reception celebrating Rutledge’s life at Coyote Flaco at 505 Cold Spring Rd. Route 7, Williamstown at 1 p.m. Guests are welcome to attend any of the services or the reception. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Northern Berkshire EMS, Doctors Without Borders, or a charity of your choice through the funeral home. To add to the Book of Memories, please visit flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com.