Roger Lee Utz, 78, born March 17, 1948 of Hornell, NY, passed away peacefully, on the morning of October 19th, surrounded by family members after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Roger was born in Wellington, KS and was the middle child. Upon graduating high school, Roger enlisted in the U.S. Navy seeking to serve his nation, to travel and to gain educational benefits. He served on the USS Iwo Jima, USS Patrick Henry, and the USS Ulysses S. Grant, serving from 1966-1972. His greatest memory of the Navy was meeting his wife Dorothy (Anderson) Utz and living together in Charleston, SC. After the Navy, Roger went to school at Cornell and received his B.S. in food science.
Roger and Dorothy decided to lay roots in Hornell, where Roger worked at Crowley’s for 32 years. During his off time, Roger could be found continuing his journey of life-long education, focusing on science and math. He was also a devoted member of the United Presbyterian Church in Hornell. One of the many things that he loved was cycling. He also enjoyed hiking the Finger Lakes Trail. After retirement, he and his family could be found on his pontoon boat, located on Keuka Lake. His main enjoyment was spending time with family, specifically his grandchildren.
Roger was preceded in death by his mother Luella (Nurse) Utz, his father Bill Utz, his sister Anita (Utz) Brown and his nephew Mark Brown.
Roger is survived by his wife Dorothy (Anderson) Utz, (77) of Hornell, NY, his son CW2 (Ret.) Andrew W. Utz, (43) of Monument, CO, his daughter-in-law Brittany (Lippert) Utz, (39) of Monument, CO, his granddaughter Cali Childress, (21) of Thurmond, NC, his grandson PFC Connor Utz, (20) of Vicenza, IT, and granddaughters Finley (9) and Marley (7) Utz of Monument, CO.
Services will be held in the sanctuary of the United Presbyterian Church, 150 Main St., Hornell on Saturday, November 14th, at 11:00 A.M.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the United Presbyterian Church-Central Account of Sunday Meals, 150 Main St., Hornell 14843, or Faith in Action, PO Box 117, Hornell, NY 14943, or CareFirst NY, 3805 Meads Creek Road, Painted Post, NY 14870 and/or the American Cancer Society-Road to Recovery Program, PO Box 6704 Hagerstown, MD 21741. Envelopes for memorial contributions will be available at the church.
The Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home, 285 Main St., Hornell is honored to assist Roger’s family with the arrangements.
Online condolences or remembrances of Roger are welcome at bishopdesanto.com or on the Facebook page of Bishop-Johnson & Desanto Funeral Home.
