Obituary: Gerald C. 'Jerry' Kutis

Gerald C. “Jerry” Kutis of Grand Island passed peacefully to glory on Aug. 14, 2023, at his home, surrounded by his three children: Dan, Julie and Amy. Jerry was preceded in death by his wife, Catherine (Miller) Kutis, in 2014.

Jerry was born in Niagara Falls to second-generation Lithuanian parents Stanley and Julia. He had a brother, Al, and sisters, Dorothy and Marilyn, whom he adored and spent much time with.

As a school-aged boy, he participated in track and basketball. He was a proud Boy Scout with one of his fondest memories participating in the Boy Scout Jamboree in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. Jerry told many tales of climbing in the lower gorge of Niagara Falls, and refers to it as his playground.

Jerry joined the Marines after high school and served our country in the 3rd Marine Division as a communications specialist until his honorable discharge.

Jerry met Catherine Miller, from Nanty Glo, Pennsylvania, while stationed at Quantico, Virginia. They met on a double date prompted by his best friend and fellow Marine, Ken Laposky, who later married Cathy's sister, Patty. They had a wonderful family/friend relationship all of their years.

Jerry and Cathy had three children and six grandchildren. He and Cathy were devoted to their grandchildren, and Jerry could be found slaying dragons with his grandsons or playing dress up with his granddaughters – and always sneaking them out for a hot dog and ice cream.

Jerry was a faithful provider for his family, working at Niagara Mohawk for 30 years as a chief technician. He retired in 1999 and enjoyed 24 years of retirement, traveling with his wife, Cathy, to visit his daughter, Amy, in California, or Julie, in Alaska. Most recently, he has spent many weekends at Dan's house on Silver Lake, or at his beloved Golden Age Center, where he made so many wonderful friends.

Jerry was an outdoors enthusiast and loved hunting and fishing, golfing, riding his bike, and kayaking with many friends and family members. More recently, he has enjoyed sitting outside and watching his faithful birds.

Jerry will be dearly missed and always remembered for his quick wit and love of history.

He was a devout Catholic and made his church home at St. Stephen Roman Catholic Church on Grand Island.

We are at peace that our dad is with Jesus in Heaven and reunited with his loved ones.

In lieu of flowers, please send plants that can continue to live on in his memory, or donations can be made to Roswell Park Cancer Institute.