Ronald Lucien Cutrera, 87, passed away on May 20, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. Born on January 14, 1939, in New Iberia to the late Lucien Cutrera and Lily Barrilleaux Cutrera. Ron lived a life filled with creativity, laughter, service, faith, and deep devotion to those he loved.
A proud graduate of New Iberia Senior High School, Class of 1957, Ron joined the United States Marine Corps shortly after graduation and served honorably until 1960. He completed boot camp in San Diego and was stationed at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. During his service, he completed a six-month Mediterranean mission in Lebanon.
In 1958, while serving in the Marines, Ron began a correspondence with the love of his life, Phyllis. What started as letters between pen pals blossomed into a lifelong love story. They continued writing faithfully until Phyllis moved to New Iberia in 1961, and the two were married in 1967, beginning a beautiful marriage filled with laughter, creativity, and unwavering devotion.
Following his military service, Ron earned his Master’s Degree in Music Education from University of Southwestern Louisiana. Over the years, he built a remarkable career, touching countless lives along the way. He worked as a DJ at KNIR Radio, where he often dedicated songs to Phyllis on the air. He also worked for Liquid Air and National Welding Supply before pursuing his true calling in education.
Ron served at Anderson Middle School and later as Principal of Jeanerette Academy in New Iberia. His most beloved role, however, was as a kindergarten teacher at Avery Island Elementary School, where he taught for 17 years. Ron held the distinction of being the only male kindergarten teacher in Iberia Parish, and generations of students remember him for his warmth, humor, patience, and gentle spirit.
Beyond education, Ron was a renowned local artist beginning in 1973. His paintings were featured at festivals throughout the region, including the Sugar Cane Festival and the Shrimp and Petroleum Festival. He was also honored as the winner of the Literary Festival Poster Contest. In retirement, Ron devoted much of his time to painting, creating artwork that reflected his vibrant imagination and love of Louisiana culture.
Ron also found joy in acting. He and Phyllis appeared as extras in several commercials and local films, experiences they treasured together. Known for his quick wit and natural comedic talent, Ron could light up any room with laughter, though he also possessed the depth and sincerity to take on more serious roles when called upon.
A devout Catholic, Ron’s faith guided his life and shaped the kindness, compassion, and generosity he showed to everyone he met. Above all else, he adored his family and cherished every moment spent with them.
Ron will be remembered for his artistic spirit, infectious humor, dedication to education, steadfast faith, and the immense love he shared with family and friends. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched through his teaching, art, service, and laughter.
He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.
Those left behind to cherish his memory are his wife of 59 years, Phyllis Hayas Cutrera; his children, Destinn Cutrera and wife Jeanne Escuriex Cutrera; Kristinn Cutrera and Mia Cutrera Vines and husband Rob Vines; ten grandchildren, Celeste Cutrera Delcambre, Dylan Cutrera, Sarah Boudreaux, Elise Cutrera Hebert, Jacob Boudreaux, Hunter Dooley, Kessler Dooley, Derrick LeBlanc, Tyler Hanson and Trevor Hanson; seven great granddaughters; one sister, Gayle Cutrera Ferguson; brother in law, Robert Ferguson, Sr. and his niece, Candice Norris.
Along with his parents he is preceded in death by his mother-in-law, Wilma Hayas; brother in laws, Mike Hayas and Murphy Romero and two nephews, Brett Romero and Trent Romero.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at Nativity of Our Lady Catholic Church at 2:30 pm. Fr. Ed Degeyter will officiate. He will be laid to rest at Nativity of Our Lady Mausoleum with military honors by the Acadiana Veterans Honor Guard.
A gathering of family and friends will be held on Tuesday at Evangeline Funeral Home from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm. A rosary will be prayed at 1:00 pm.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Destinn Cutrera, Rob Vines, Dylan Cutrera, Hunter Dooley, Jacob Boudreaux, Derrick LeBlanc and Dr. Kent Miller.
The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude and to his main care giver over the last few years, his daughter Kristinn, who always went above and beyond in taking such good care of him. A special thanks to Dr. Krishna Nagendran and all of the staff of Iberia Medical Center and Our Lady of Lourdes.
Relatives and friends are invited to view the movie presentation and share their condolences and memories by visiting his memorial page at www.evangelinenewiberia.com
Evangeline Funeral Home of New Iberia is in charge of arrangements.
