Michael Rutland

Michael Steven Rutland was born on January 21,1955 in New York City, New York. He was the son of Wally Lee Rutland and the late Shirley D. Sawyer. He is the grandson of Etlyn Sawyer and Wallace and Althea Sims-Rutland.

Michael graduated from Springfield Gardens High School in 1973. He attended Lincoln University where he was the Co-Captain of the men's Basketball team. He later put himself through school while holding several jobs and graduated with a business degree from Pace University. He was an avid basketball fan and later moonlighted as a referee. Michael was enthusiastic about healthy eating and exercise and for many years he trained and ran in marathons in New York City.

Many knew Micheal for his bright smile and larger then life personality. He never missed a beat in raising his daughters by himself. He was a super dad. He lived by the saying "what you put in is what you get out" . He spent countless hours trying to find new was to push his daughters to be the best they can be. After raising his daughters he enjoyed a new pastime in the water swimming and coaching his grandson Aahmad in hopes of one day him making the olympics. Michael and Aahmad were inseparable. When you saw Michael you saw Aahmad.

Michael also loved history and was fascinated by uncovering the many hidden truths relevant to the African diaspora .He retired in September 2021 after a illustrious career as a business analyst at Exelon.

Michael is survived by his younger brother Gary; his four daughters: Amina, Safiyyah, Amy and Joy; a niece Shirley; 12 beautiful grandchildren, several aunts and uncles and countless cousins and friends. He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew and loved him.


You are invited to a Zoom webinar. The live stream will start at TIME OF SERVICE or once the casket is closed.

When: Feb 18, 2022 10:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Topic: Celebration of Life for Michael S. Rutland

Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83192870069
Or One tap mobile :
US: +13126266799,,83192870069# or +16468769923,,83192870069#
Or Telephone:
Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):
US: +1 312 626 6799 or +1 646 876 9923 or +1 301 715 8592 or +1 669 900 6833 or +1 253 215 8782 or +1 346 248 7799 or +1 408 638 0968
Webinar ID: 831 9287 0069
International numbers available: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kdXgniSk3j Previous Events


Public Viewing


FEB 18. 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM (ET)

House of Wright Mortuary - Wilmington
208 East 35th Street
Wilmington, DE 19802

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Celebration of Life


FEB 18. 10:00 AM (ET)

House of Wright Mortuary - Wilmington
208 East 35th Street
Wilmington, DE 19802

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Graveside Service


FEB 18 (ET)

Gracelawn Memorial Park
2220 North Dupont Highway
New Castle, DE 19720

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