Wiley Lavere Utterback

July 23, 1934- September 2, 2021

Wiley was born in Oakland, CA to the parents of Catherine Thomas Utterback, and Vernon Utterback. At an early age, Wiley took the interests of music and was a wonderful piano player, and singer. He entered the career of mechanical insulation at the young age of 15. Wiley was always proud to tell others that his father, brother, 2 sons and himself all belonged to Heat and Frost Insulators Local 16.

Wiley’s wife, Ellen, was originally a childhood neighbor, and they were married in the year of 1956 and settled in Sacramento. Wiley and Ellen had 3 sons. He would jokingly state that his son Wiley Jr. was a ‘57 model, his son Dwayne was a ‘58, and his youngest son Rusty was a ‘59.

Wiley was a very talented mechanic and had a natural ability of working with his hands. Wiley was very proud of his house, and could frequently be found listening to records in the screened in patio of his house while smoking a cigar. If Wiley wasn’t able to be found relaxing in the screen patio; he could be found at Flapjack’s (Walt’s) eating a California Omelet with biscuits and gravy, at Buff’s Barbershop, Denio’s, or at the Fitzgerald’s in Reno. Wiley never missed an opportunity to brag about his sons, grandsons, or granddaughters. One could argue that boasting about his family was his favorite topic of conversation.

Wiley is preceded in death by Ellen, his Wife of 56 years, his eldest son Wiley Jr., and his eldest grandson Andrew. He is survived by his siblings Russell (Red) and Lois, his sons Dwayne and Rusty, his daughter in laws Margaret, Nina, and Debbie, and his grandchildren Maclain, Katie, David, Zachary, and Marissa.

On behalf of the Utterback family, the writer would like to thank Wiley for everything he has done for and taught his family. Wiley’s grandchildren look forward to passing down his passions and teachings to a future generation of Utterback’s

GodSpeed Wiley