It is with great sadness we announce the peaceful passing of our father, a longtime Pawling and Poughkeepsie resident Charles (Charlie) R. Utter, Jr. Charlie died on April 24, 2023, in Rochester, NY. He was 92 years old and succumbed to complications related to congestive heart failure.
Charlie was born in Danbury, CT in June of 1930 to Charles R. and Alpharetta K. (Betty) Utter and was raised on the family farm in Pawling NY. He graduated from Pawling High School in 1948. Charlie enjoyed sports, playing both basketball and football. In his last year of high school, he was captain of the Pawling High football team. He was a member of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity while at University of Georgia and graduated in 1953 with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (BSA) in Poultry Science. After graduation, he served his country in the Navy until 1955 when he was honorably discharged. On June 7, 1958, he married Margaret (Peggy) Clark.
Charlie worked many years in sales in the technical sector in New York City. After retirement, he obtained his realtor license, working in real estate in the Poughkeepsie area. He was a wonderful and loving father and was proud of his children. Tossing a baseball in the backyard with his sons or taking adventure-filled family camping trips along the east coast brought him happiness. He was an excellent gardener and kept a substantial vegetable garden for his family to enjoy.
Charlie and Peggy also loved Florida, escaping the cold New York winters. There they relaxed, liked to socialize with friends, and enjoyed outdoor activities and events.
Charlie is survived by his four children, Karen Cima and her husband John of Corfu, NY, and their children Caitlin and Allison. James Utter and his wife Beth of Hudson, NY, and their children Cameron, Nicole Brandt, and Shane Brandt. Charles Utter and his wife Jennifer of Upton, MA, and their children Lucas and Jordan. Anne Marie Pruzan and her husband Dan of Redwood City, CA. Peggy, his wife of 53 years, predeceased him in 2012. Charlie also has two sisters, Shirley Rouse of Florida and Joan Mester of Newburgh, NY, both survive him, along with two nieces and four nephews.
Charlie will be greatly missed and will always hold a special place in all our hearts. There will be a graveside ceremony on May 15th for close friends and family.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Rochester Regional Hospice, 330 Monroe Avenue Rochester, NY 14607.
