Harold H. Rutter III

STANDISH – Harold H. Rutter, III passed away unexpectedly on Feb. 6, 2026.

Harold was born in Portland, July 30, 1954 a son of Harold H., Jr. and Virginia R. Rutter. He attended Portland schools and after graduating from high school became an auto mechanic for much of his life. During his career he joined fleets of towing and heavy hauling at his place of business at Rutter’s Garage. He enjoyed hobbies such as camping, car races and cruises in his very limited spare time. He was predeceased by his father and mother and his brother Timothy C. Rutter. Harold is survived by his son Robert C. Rutter of Gray and grand dog Calvin, daughters Tracey A. Bodlovick of Walton, Ky., and Jackaline H. Rutter and her husband Ryan Huntley of Loveland, Colo., along with his only granddaughter, Isabella S. Bodlovick of Walton, Ky. He also leaves his siblings, Linda Rutter and her husband, Gerald of Standish, Brian Rutter of Jackson Hole, Wy., Bruce Rutter and his partner, Judith Miller of Gray, Rebecca Politzer and her husband Robert of Forest, Va., and Elizabeth Rutter-Hill and her husband Glenn of Standish. Also included as family would be his very close and dear friends, neighbors and co-workers who held a special place in his life.

It is no surprise that Harry left this world in his fluorescent green jacket and his red wing boots. His business was his life. Working seven days a week, alongside his son Robert. The two of them under a hood since Rob was old enough to walk. When the workday was done, this well-known pair always ate dinner together at local restaurants to discuss their day.

Harry started his life on Ocean Avenue in Portland. He was one of 17 Rutter cousins on one block. It was here, where his work ethic started.

Delivering newspapers rain or shine with his brothers. He quickly moved to operating his first business, Hercules Gulf on Congress Street.

As a very young man Harry had a short marriage that produced three beautiful babies. He went on to raise his children as a proud single dad.

This was not common in the 1970’s. He was determined.

In 1979, while working at Wolfe Ford, he met Robin Clough that was working at NAPA. Together they became a team to the end. They combined their names and their talents and Clutter’s Garage was born. In 1986 a massive fire burned out the garage. This would end most businesses. Not Harry Rutter. He constructed his blue tarp shop, complete with a space heater. He worked night and day to support his growing family.

He happily added the addition of Sean McCue. A young man Harry was so proud of, He was thrilled that he came complete with mechanical skills.

With talent all around, he grew his business to include Heavy truck repairs, Trucking and Hauling. Of course, his automotive repairs. It there was not a part available to fix a car, Harry just “Rutterized” it.

In 2006 he moved his business to Pleasant Hill Road Scarborough. He renamed it Rutter’s Garage and Trucking. His talented team hit the ground running. They have labored together for 20 years.

Harry expected nothing but honest work out of his shop. He was so proud of his 40-year business.

Rest in Peace our friend, you couldn’t have done it any better.

Love from your team … Robert Rutter, John Coyne,Greg Ketch, James Smart, Robin Clough, Sean McCue and loving grand shop dog, Calvin.

A time of visitation will be held Thursday, Feb. 12 2026 from 4-7 p.m., at the Jones, Rich & Barnes Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St., Portland. Please visit http://www.jonesrichandbarnes.com to offer your condolences and share your memories.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to the Alzheimer’s Assoc., Maine Chapter,

383 Rt. 1, Ste 2C,

Scarborough, ME 04074.