Wethersfield Obituary: Edward Kutyla, 93

Edward P. Kutyla, 93, of Wethersfield, passed away peacefully on April 12, 2016, surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of Doris (Barbieri) Kutyla for 66 years.

Ed is survived by his children, Janice (Kutyla) Ayers and David Kutyla, and his daughter-in-law Maryann Kutyla, and his “daughter,” Nancy Grisevich. Ed leaves behind five loving grandchildren that he adored, Brian Ayers and Julie, Caryn (Ayers) Kupferschmid and Ryan, Sara (Kutyla) Reissig and Rob, Jonn Kutyla and Shawna, Alissa Spak and Dave. In addition he leaves two step-granddaughters, Whitney Shea and Lynn Storey. He is also survived by eight great-grandchildren. Ed was predeceased by his beloved son, Richard Kutyla and his sister, Helen Kutyla.

Ed was a WWII Veteran and served in the Army, 115th Infantry, Campaign of Normandy in June 1944 where he earned a Purple Heart. Ed stepped on a land mine, losing the lower portion of his right leg. He told of how he laid on the beach for two days with an active mine under his shoulder, this was only the beginning of the Ed’s will to live. After spending time in Walter Reed Hospital, he returned home, met Doris at the Polish Home and they were married a year later. They built a home in Wethersfield, where Ed remained until the time of his passing.

He worked for Pratt & Whitney, retiring in 1981, but his life outside of work defined who he was. Ed and Doris had a cottage in Old Saybrook, and spent time at the Cape in the summer and in Florida in the winter, and so many other destinations with family and friends. Ed loved to work outside in his yard, tending to his garden and planting flowers. As recent as last summer he could be seen toting along his little makeshift platform with wheels that carried his tools, walking slowly in the yard.

He was an avid UConn, Red Sox and Patriots fan. Ed never saw anything as an obstacle, and told us “I am going to live to be 100”.

Ed and Doris were parishioners of Incarnation for over 50 years. He held his faith close to his heart until his last breath. As the family remained with him in the final hours he continued to thank God for his life and his family. Ed was a man of honor, and a true hero to those that knew him. We will truly miss his presence in our family.

Funeral services will be Monday, April 18, at 9 a.m. at the D’Esopo Funeral Chapel, 277 Folly Brook Blvd., Wethersfield, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at the Church of The Incarnation, 544 Prospect Street, Wethersfield. Burial with military honors will be in Rose Hill Memorial Park, Rocky Hill. Family and friends may call on Sunday from 4-7 p.m. at the funeral chapel.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Disabled American Veterans Organization (DAV), 555 Willard Avenue, Newington, CT 06431.

To share a memory of Ed with his family, please visit www.desopo.com.