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Rev. Lyle R. Guttu

Lyle Guttu Obituary

GUTTU--The Rev. Lyle R., 71, chaplain at Wagner College, Staten Island, died Monday, December 17, after having been struck by a car two days earlier. Visitation will be Wednesday evening, December 19, and Thursday afternoon and evening, December 20, at Matthew Funeral Home, Staten Island. A memorial service will be held at 11am Friday, December 21, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Staten Island.

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Published by New York Times on Dec. 18, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Lyle Guttu

18 Entries

Duane Wadsworth

December 22, 2007

Lyle was a Class of '58 classmate of mine at Harvard and we were friends in college. At our many reunions since then, Lyle officiated at the traditional Memorial Service at Memorial Church in the Yard to honor those classmates that have passed on. It was always a moving ceremony which Lyle handled with his usual compassion, grace and style. Our 50th Reunion is next year and when the church bell tolls when his name is read, we'll all have a chance to reflect what a great person he was and all the good work he did in his life. My most sincere condolences to his children.

Pat Fitzpatrick

December 21, 2007

I had the privilege of working with Lyle for the past 7 year on the 4th floor at Wagner College. I will miss this wonderful, gentle, caring man who made each day special. He always found the words to comfort an upset student or a frantic parent. I will miss his stories and his hardy laugh. I feel blessed to have known such a wonderful man. Rest in Peace.

Linda Cosentino

December 20, 2007

The last time we saw Lyle Guttu was Friday, December 14, 2007 he came up to the HR Office to drop off some paperwork. He sat down and thanked us for all we do and how much he appreciated our help. The chimes went off and he looked at us and said , I am glad that you girls can hear the chimes from up here. He was a very special man and we were all very lucky to have known him. Everytime we hear the chimes ring we will now think of Lyle.

Linda Cosentino & Linda Mulea

Paul Monterosso

December 20, 2007

Lyle, the rock of Wagner, cannot be replaced. Dear friend you will be deeply missed.

Peter W. Pfeiffer

December 19, 2007

Lyle was always there. I will miss him greatly. His advice and council were always appreciated. His visits always too short as was his life.

Michael Armato'06

December 19, 2007

The Book of Proverbs says “Good men must die, but death cannot kill their names.”

Rev. Guttu was one of those people that you were never quite sure what exactly his job description really entailed, but you knew that the place would be in trouble without him. It has always been my experience that people like Rev. Guttu did everything that no one else could be trusted to do, no one else knew how to do, and maybe even-no one else wanted to do. It would be impossible for any of us, even those who worked closest with him, to probably be able to quantify his contributions to this institution-Our Beautiful Upon The Hill.

But even more than that, Wagner to Rev. Guttu wasn’t a job- it was a ministry. That is what made the difference. Wagner was such a huge part of his life, because he loved it. He loved the Wagner family, and they loved him return.

Wagner will never be the same; but his family and those who will miss him should be thankful for having met him and having known him. We should be thankful for his contributions to the Wagner family, and take solace in the fact that the Divine One has found a place for him by his side.

As Proverbs says, “death cannot kill [his] name;” and may our mission be for many years to come to remember that wonderful, brilliant, caring and loving man; and tell those who come after us about his life, about his work, and about his love.

Bruce Liozzi

December 19, 2007

Lyle was one of those very special people who, if you're lucky enough,you get to meet not often enough in your lifetime.
He was a pastor, a mentor and, most importantly, a friend to all who knew him.
The world has lost and heaven has gained a wonderful gentleman.

Nick Ponzio

December 19, 2007

I was shocked and deeply saddened to hear of the tragic news of Lyle's
passing. As a fellow Trustee of Eger Nursing Home I quickly came to realize that I was privledged to have met such a wonderfull person and I always looked forward to his prayers that preceded our meetings. I will miss him greatly.

Renee

December 19, 2007

I have read the entries and received the news via the ELCA newsletter. How sad never to have met such a wonderful person. A loss to the Lutheran community, Wagner College and the world at large. My condolences and prayers to Pastor Guttu's loved ones from a fellow Lutheran.

Rebekah Burton (Eid) '90

December 19, 2007

I was deeply saddened to hear about Chaplain Guttu's death. During my years at Wagner, I spent a lot of time with him while a part of the Lutheran Student Movement. My friends and I called him "Eric", although I can't remember why we came up with that nickname! We had great fun with him on our trips to other colleges. He was definitely a positive influence for me in my college years. I know that he will be deeply missed by his family and the staff, students, alumni, and friends of Wagner College.

Peter Buffington

December 19, 2007

As a classmate of Lyle at Harvard in 1958 he was a true friend and a regular at our monthly class lunches. He also met me after the Sgt Scrimenti 5 K races in June and we had a great lunch at the diner. He was a great giver!!

Carl Westerdahl '59

December 19, 2007

Very strong feelings of shock and sadness came over me when I learned of Lyle's death. I always enjoyed seeing him on the campus as we talked over coffee about everything from Wagner’s history and future to Harvard hockey. What a great loss for the college! To me he represented the best of what remains of the spiritually focused Wagner of our college days. We have lost a role model for what it means to be a liberally educated Christian.

He was the repository of the college’s history during the latter part of the 20th century. How sad those who write that history will not have his wise perspective.

We last talked about planning the class of 1959’s memorial service in 2009. It will be difficult to conduct that service without his council and appropriate words.

Dr. Susan Hudec

December 18, 2007

Lyle was a very caring person. I had the privilege of working with him for many years. May he be at peace and my prayers are with his family.

Diane Borst Manning

December 18, 2007

Our sincerest sympathy...although I met Lyle Gutta only on a couple of occasions, I do have a great respect for all he has accomplished.

Samantha Guttu

December 18, 2007

Lyle was my great uncle, my grandfather is George Guttu. Lyle is one of the most wonderful people I have ever met in my life. He was kind, generous, and loving to everyone that he met. It's a shame for anyone who didn't no him, for it was amazing to be in his presence.

Mary Lee Stevens

December 18, 2007

May
peace surround you and God's love give you comfort. What a good man.
Mary Lee Bishop Stevens - Lyle was a classmate and friend of my sister
and brother-in-law - Barb and Jack LaSalle of Thief River Falls, MN (both are deceased)

ROGER WILLIAMSON

December 18, 2007

LYLE WAS A CLOSE FRIEND IN TRF. OUR PATHS HAVE CROSSED EACH OTHERS MANY TIMES OVER THE YEARS. ELAINE AND I WERE SHOCKED TO HEAR THE NEWS. WE CAN ONLY EXPRESS TO HIS CHILDREN HOW VERY MUCH WE THOUGHT OF HIM. HE WAS VERY CLOSE TO THE WILLIAMSON FAMILY. \

Joseph Cosentino

December 18, 2007

He was there for me in my time of need during a trying year in my life.

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