Obituary of Roderick "Doc" L. Brutsman

Roderick (Doc) L. Brutsman, 66, of Rathbone, NY passed away peacefully with his family by his side on April 11, 2023 at Arnot Ogden Medical Center. Doc fought a courageous battle with cancer until pneumonia took him to his Heavenly Father, whom he had recently given his heart to. Doc was born on December 16, 1956 to Alton (Tony) and Beverly (Miles) Brutsman. After graduating from Addison Central School in 1975, he enlisted in the US Marine Corps where he served from 1975-1981. He reached rank of Lance Corporal. Among his duties, he drove an amphibious vehicle, which he loved to tell stories about. He married Kathy Hamilton of Rathbone in 1980, with whom he spent 43 years. Starting his sheet metal career with Esco in Canandaigua, NY, he learned the skills that he used for many years, in various jobs to support his family until his retirement from long time employer, Southern Tier Custom Fabricators. He was a member of the Sheet Metal Workers Union local 112, loved his job, and some say, he was one of the best in his trade. Throughout the years, he met many great friends that became more like family. Doc also served as councilman on the Rathbone Town Board for several years. In his spare time, Doc enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time at his garage bench reading the paper or watching the birds. He also enjoyed working in the garden. But, most all, he loved spending time with his grandchildren. Doc had a great sense of humor and told the best “dad jokes”. He loved to give nicknames and always had a silly song or phrase to recite. They will all be sorely missed. Doc is survived by his wife Kathy, was a loving father to his daughters Autumn (Israel) Carpenter of Woodhull, Tia (Jason) Oberther of Rathbone, NY, and proud papa to his 4 grandchildren Ariah, Colby, Renley and Ryker. Stepmother Nancy Brutsman of Cameron Mills, NY, sisters Lynn Neff of Corry, PA, Abbey (Mark) Shankle of Mount Wolf, PA and brother Rick (Bobbi) Brutsman of Corning, NY. Half siblings Renae, Luanne, Alisha, Chad and Brenda. Mother in law Betty Hamilton of Addison, NY, Robert Jr (Cindy) Hamilton of Caton, NY, Deanna Davis of Painted Post, NY, Jeff (Kim) Hamilton of Louisville, KY, Faith Mills of Hornell, NY, Matt (Kim) Hamilton of Addison, NY and several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. He was predeceased by infant brother Mark Brutsman, father Tony, mother Beverly, father in law Robert Hamilton Sr. and numerous aunts and uncles. To honor Doc’s request, there will be no funeral services. He will be buried at the Bath National VA cemetery in Bath, NY. Doc wished to thank Dr. Dauphin and the entire nursing staff at the Faulk Center in Elmira, NY and Mel from the Addison Primary clinic for the great care that he received. Memorial donations can be made to St. Judes Children Hospital.