Edward “Ed” Rutter died peacefully at his home in Annville on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, surrounded by his family. He was 84.
After graduating from Lebanon High School, Ed enlisted in the U.S. Navy and sailed on the USS Mullinnix DD-944 during the Cuban Missile Crisis in the early 1960s. During his military service, he earned a commendation for discovering a new sonar signal from a Soviet Union submarine.
Ed later worked as a Lebanon County deputy sheriff, a Pennsylvania state constable, and a Lebanon County court administrator, the job he said was the best he ever had. In retirement, he was a beloved hospice volunteer in Lebanon County for more than a decade.
Ed had a boundless, lifelong love of learning and challenging the workings of the world. He was a lifelong Cincinnati Reds fan and an avid reader who loved history, antiques, politics, and wildlife. He had a knack for almost anything creative, including singing, writing, drawing, and acting.
Ed starred in countless plays and musicals, mainly at the Lebanon Community Theatre, including On Golden Pond, A Christmas Carol, It’s a Wonderful Life, Taming of the Shrew, and Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. After he retired from the stage, he enjoyed returning to LCT as a yearly season ticketholder.
Ed was predeceased by his wife, Peggy, to whom he was married for more than 45 years. He missed her every day since her passing in 2010. Despite this, he would be the first to tell you he had a blessed life. Ed was like no one else, and his absence has left a void for those who love him.
In addition to his beloved dog, Cocoa, he is survived by his son, Chris Rutter (Keri); daughter, Jessica Rutter (Pat); sister, Brenda Smith; and granddaughters, Nicole Geesey (Al), Jenna Wise (Ben), Carly Klein (Noah), and Lani Wise.
A private memorial service will be held at the convenience of his family.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Ed’s memory to: Hospice & Community Care (685 Good Dr., P.O. Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604), the Lebanon Community Theatre (P.O. Box 592, Lebanon, PA 17042), or the Humane Society of Lebanon County (150 North Ramona Road, Myerstown, PA 17067).
