GyBill
05-31-2009, 09:54 PM
Aug. 9, 1931 – May 25, 2009
HARTWICK -- Robert (Bob) August Utter, PhD., died in the afternoon hours of Memorial Day, May 25, 2009, at his home on Wells Avenue in Hartwick, surrounded by his loving family. He was 77.
Born Aug. 9, 1931, in Sydenham Hospital in the borough of Manhattan in New York City, Bob was a son of Edwin and Hertha (Bromm) Utter. As a young child, he moved with his family to Teaneck, N.J., where he attended Teaneck High School and graduated in 1947. He was a dedicated wrestler and earned the title of New Jersey State Champion.
Bob attended Springfield College where he majored in physical education and English; he earned a bachelor of science degree in 1954. He then accepted a direct commission into the United States Marine Corps and very proudly served his country until 1968, achieving the rank of Captain.
Following his years of military service, he attained his Doctorate in Education Administration from Columbia University in New York City in 1966. Throughout his long and successful career in education, Bob was superintendent of the four largest school systems in New York State _ Ramapo, Utica, Plattsburgh, and Niagara Falls. In 1977, the New York Department of Education named Bob one of the top ten school administrators in New York State. Upon his retirement from the Niagara Falls School System, Bob embarked upon a second career as a stockbroker and certified financial planner with the former First Albany in Oneonta, retiring in 2000.
Throughout his life, Bob was an avid reader; he loved walking in the woods, and gardening. His family and many friends will remember Bob as a kind, gentle and selfless person who never complained, even during his long illness. Bob touched the lives of many people, and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
His wife and friend of 23 years, the former Patricia Sugarick Ryan, whom he married on April 3, 2005, at their home in Hartwick, survives Bob. He is further survived by his stepchildren, Sarah Ryan-Wilcox of Cooperstown, Kevin Ryan of Oregon, Wis., John Ryan of Camden, Christopher Ryan of Alpharetta, Ga., and Patricia Ryan Penree of Fort Drum, and their families. His sister, Irene Utter of Milford, also survives him, along with his niece, Darlene Wedderspoon and her family of Ballston Spa.
There will be no formal services held. The family wishes to express on behalf of Bob, their grateful appreciation and heartfelt thanks to the caring Dr. William LeCates and the entire staff of the dialysis center at Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown, and to Bob's friends on the Hartwick Emergency Squad for whom he had the greatest admiration for their outstanding care and service.
For those who wish to make an expression of sympathy in the form of a memorial gift, do so to the Hartwick Emergency Squad, P.O. Box 208, Hartwick, NY 13348.
Arrangements are with the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.
HARTWICK -- Robert (Bob) August Utter, PhD., died in the afternoon hours of Memorial Day, May 25, 2009, at his home on Wells Avenue in Hartwick, surrounded by his loving family. He was 77.
Born Aug. 9, 1931, in Sydenham Hospital in the borough of Manhattan in New York City, Bob was a son of Edwin and Hertha (Bromm) Utter. As a young child, he moved with his family to Teaneck, N.J., where he attended Teaneck High School and graduated in 1947. He was a dedicated wrestler and earned the title of New Jersey State Champion.
Bob attended Springfield College where he majored in physical education and English; he earned a bachelor of science degree in 1954. He then accepted a direct commission into the United States Marine Corps and very proudly served his country until 1968, achieving the rank of Captain.
Following his years of military service, he attained his Doctorate in Education Administration from Columbia University in New York City in 1966. Throughout his long and successful career in education, Bob was superintendent of the four largest school systems in New York State _ Ramapo, Utica, Plattsburgh, and Niagara Falls. In 1977, the New York Department of Education named Bob one of the top ten school administrators in New York State. Upon his retirement from the Niagara Falls School System, Bob embarked upon a second career as a stockbroker and certified financial planner with the former First Albany in Oneonta, retiring in 2000.
Throughout his life, Bob was an avid reader; he loved walking in the woods, and gardening. His family and many friends will remember Bob as a kind, gentle and selfless person who never complained, even during his long illness. Bob touched the lives of many people, and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
His wife and friend of 23 years, the former Patricia Sugarick Ryan, whom he married on April 3, 2005, at their home in Hartwick, survives Bob. He is further survived by his stepchildren, Sarah Ryan-Wilcox of Cooperstown, Kevin Ryan of Oregon, Wis., John Ryan of Camden, Christopher Ryan of Alpharetta, Ga., and Patricia Ryan Penree of Fort Drum, and their families. His sister, Irene Utter of Milford, also survives him, along with his niece, Darlene Wedderspoon and her family of Ballston Spa.
There will be no formal services held. The family wishes to express on behalf of Bob, their grateful appreciation and heartfelt thanks to the caring Dr. William LeCates and the entire staff of the dialysis center at Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown, and to Bob's friends on the Hartwick Emergency Squad for whom he had the greatest admiration for their outstanding care and service.
For those who wish to make an expression of sympathy in the form of a memorial gift, do so to the Hartwick Emergency Squad, P.O. Box 208, Hartwick, NY 13348.
Arrangements are with the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.