In Memory of Peter Kutzuba

Obituary

Peter Kutzuba left this world behind on Monday, March 11, 2024, after a lifetime of making it a more congenial and enjoyable place for those he loved and whose company he shared.

He was born May 5, 1947, the only child of Edward and Viola (Pacilio) Kutzuba, raised under the watchful eyes of his beloved parents and grandparents in the east Utica home which remained his residence throughout his life. Pete graduated with honors from Proctor High School in 1965 and attended St. Lawrence University. Always a creative soul, he played guitar and piano, wrote songs, and sang for his own enjoyment and that of his family. Like his father and uncle Michael, Peter was an avid golfer and for a time a frequent player at Valley View, once even scoring a hole-in-one on that course.

Peter was an extra-class amateur radio operator (call sign AA2CG) for many years, a hobby he shared with his late uncle Joseph J. Perry (WA2Z). His contacts ranged from local operators to astronauts on the international space station and everything in-between. He also shared his uncle Joe’s love for chess and astronomy.
For over a decade, Peter provided home care to his mother, who suffered from a long term illness, attending to her needs with a level of dedication that made it possible for her to remain at home until her passing. He was also a devoted dog and cat parent to several generations of furry children.
Peter was an amazing storyteller, and for his cousins, his friends, and all who knew him, he was a perennial source of laughter, camaraderie, and inspiration. His company will be sorely missed.

Peter is survived by a fair number of cousins in the Utica area, as well as his cousin Mary Jane Atkins in Connecticut and the many good friends he made along the way. He was predeceased by his parents, Edward and Viola, his maternal grandparents, Nick and Esther Pacilio, his paternal grandmother Mary Kutzuba, and several cousins, aunts and uncles, as well as his first cousins David Parker and Mark Perry.

Peter’s family would like to thank the caregivers at St. Luke’s Home for their kindness and dedication over the last eighteen months.

Burial will take place at the family’s convenience. Arrangements are with Friedel, Williams & Edmunds Funeral and Cremation Services, 13 Oxford Rd., New Hartford.

Friends may consider donations to Spring Farm Cares in Clinton, NY.

For online expressions of sympathy go to fwefh.com.