Donald. A. Kutz Jr.

Donald was born on July 2, 1952 to Donald A. Kutz Sr and Muriel (Percy) in Hartford, CT. He grew up in Montville, attending Montville public schools where he graduated in 1971.

Donald was dedicated to a life of service. He followed in his father’s footsteps with his deep love of firefighting joining the Montville Fire Company #1 in 1968 at the age of 16. Throughout his 52 years in the department, he held many important roles including Chief. At the time of his death, he was Deputy Chief and was also a life member of the department.

He was a member of the Army for four years as a sharpshooter and firefighter and joined the Air Force in 1975 where he was part of the 59th Aerial Port Squadron at Westover Air Force Reserve Base in Chicopee, Mass until 1992, as well as serving in active-duty time at Westover during Operation Desert Storm. In 1992, he transferred to Bradley Air Guard Base where he was a CT Air National Guard refueler. He also received a National Defense Service Medal.

Donald held many jobs over the years working at Capeheart Stereo Company, Yale’s Junkyard, Mohegan Sun Fire Department, Connecticut Carting, many years at Smurfit Stone Container and ended his career as a custodian at Montville High School.

He married Christine Almeida on August 5, 2006 in New London, who was the love of his life. She passed away on December 1, 2020 and shortly thereafter called her love home to her.

He was predeceased by his wife, his parents, his sister, Donna Gravelin and his nephews Dennis “Bird” and Derek Waidler.

Donald is survived by his siblings Darlene Szawerda, Dawn Kutz, Dale Kutz, and Dan Kutz (Helene); his daughters Barbara Johnson (Jeremiah) and Kelly Brown; his adopted daughter Mallory Grohocki; his beloved granddaughters Olivia and Zoey; his nieces and nephews Michelle, Norman, Christopher and Paul Bonin, Kristina Oddo and Kathryn Wiese, Jamie and Joey Kutz and Daniel, Jimmy and Kody Kutz; and a score of great-nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, January 14th from 5:00-8:00PM at Church and Allen Funeral Home, 53 Norwich New-London Turnpike in Uncasville. On Friday, January 15th a funeral procession will begin at 10:00AM at Church and Allen with interment to follow at Comstock Cemetery. COVID safety protocols will be followed for both including masks and social distancing.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Donald’s memory to Montville Fire Co #1 Inc, 77 Route 163, Uncasville, CT 06382.