Michael G. Rura

Michael Glenn “Mitch” Rura, 64, of Gettysburg, Pa., and formerly of Shirley, N.Y., died suddenly on Thursday, May 30, 2019.

Born in Washington, D. C., he attended Calvert School before his family relocated to Gettysburg where he graduated from Gettysburg High School in 1973. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

Mike’s life tour took him to many places that he called home, from Harrisburg, Pa., to Brooklyn, N.Y., to Long Island, N.Y., New Orleans, LA, and finally to Carlisle, Pa. where he lived at ManorCare Health Services until his passing.

He lived with tremendous zeal and his talents were showcased across a broad spectrum of art and design. As a young man, he was the proprietor of the Jerry Rig Art Gallery in Knoxlyn, Pa. He was also a guitarist and vocalist with several bands, including The Late Teens and My Sick Friends. He was the owner of Rembrandt, Turner and Griswold Advertising, which specialized in web design. He was also a D.J. who performed as DJ Mic Rage, the founder of the International D.J. Guild, and an active member of Kostume Kult, N.Y.

Mike’s enormous universe of friends and family were drawn to his gregarious nature, wry wit, and ability to live with unbridled enthusiasm for life. He was also a true cat lover and many a feline found their way into is heart. His character was one of a kind.
Mike is survived by his sisters Mary Frances (and husband Michael), Marguerite Rura MacPherson, Monique Gramas (and husband Greg), nieces Mallory MacPherson VanLeer, Melissa Rucci and Michaela Rucci Vacca, nephews Eric and Scot MacPherson and Evan Gramas, plus two great nieces and three great nephews.

He is also survived by his former spouse, April Hoviss Rura.

The family plans to hold a private memorial. A Mass in his memory will be celebrated at St. Matthew’s Cathedral in Washington, D.C. at a later date.

As Mike was a great lover and advocate of all things artistic, donations in his memory can be made to Figment NYC, a participatory arts program, at https://newyork.figmentproject.org/donate or an arts advocacy program in your community.

Arrangements are being handled by Hoffman Funeral Home & Crematory, 2020 W. Trindle Rd., Carlisle, PA 17013.