William David "Coach" Cutcher

William (Bill) David Cutcher “Coach” William (Bill) David Cutcher, age 79, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, February 5, 2008, in West Palm Beach, Fla. He was the loving husband of 54 years of Shirley Cutcher; proud father of daughters Diane Montgomery, Kate Odell, Lisa (Tom) Burlas, Sharon (Gary) Gray and sons David (Annie) Cutcher and Steve Cutcher; and dedicated grandfather of 13 beautiful grandchildren Chad, Benny, Amy, Dustin, Devin, Caitlyn, Julia, Garret, Billy, Johnny, Elizabeth, Shannon and Ryan. Bill is also survived by a sister, Doris Nibling, seven nieces and nephews, and many friends. He was predeceased by his brother, Tom Cutcher. Bill was born on November 7, 1928, in Toledo, Ohio and grew up in Oak Harbor, Ohio. He graduated from the University of Dayton, excelling in football and track, with a degree in Physical Education and began his 42-year coaching and teaching career. He earned his Masters Degree in Counseling and Guidance from Xavier University. Bill devoted his life to developing children, men and women, dedicating his vibrant energies to teaching values of health, integrity, teamwork and sportsmanship as a coach and physical educator. He leaves a legacy of building young men and other coaches through his coaching programs in football, basketball and track. His fervent commitment to football began at Purcell Marian High School, Cincinnati, Ohio, where his teams were “Greater Cincinnati” champions five years and the undefeated Ohio State champions in 1960. He continued his exciting coaching career in Arizona and Pennsylvania, becoming head football coach at Edinboro State University and Cathedral Prep High School, where he lead the team to “City Series” and “Section I” championships three consecutive years. His teams’ winning seasons continued at Vineland High School, Vineland, N.J., becoming Cumberland County champions (three yrs), “South Jersey Conference” champions and reaching the state playoffs two years. From there he twice led John I Leonard High School, Lake Worth, Fla., to the state playoffs. His football coaching record includes 183 wins, 77 losses and four ties. During his career, he was recognized as Greater Cincinnati “Coach of the Year,” City of Erie “Coach of the Year” (three yrs), South Jersey “Coach of the Year,” Cumberland County, N.J. “Coach of the Year” (three yrs) and Palm Beach County, Fla. “Coach of the Year.” He was inducted into the Oak Harbor High School Sports Hall of Fame and the Purcell Marian Cavalier Athletic Hall of Fame, receiving special honors for his values of honesty, character, discipline and loyalty. Bill was also an entrepreneur and family business owner of Karmelkorn Shoppe and Sand Dollar Cards and Gifts. He was the Chairman of the Music Scholarship Fundraising Committee for the Wayne Newton International Friends Club. Bill is known for his extraordinary zest for life. His natural enthusiasm, constant smile and positive outlook live on through the thousands of lives he touched. He lived life to the fullest and never met a stranger. He had a gift to remain upbeat and inspired for those around him. He was a wealthy man-rich with strong faith and character, loving family and friends, and quick sense of humor. He brought irrepressible passion to his love of lifelong learning and exploring, sports, gardening, exercise, reading, music, traveling and culinary interests. Bill thrived on participating in his grandchildren’s lives. Bill will be profoundly missed by many. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, February 12, 6:00-8:00 p.m., with a service honoring his life at 7:30 p.m. at Palms West Funeral Home. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Lake Worth, Fla. Bill will be laid to rest immediately following at Our Lady Queen of Peace Cemetery in Royal Palm Beach, Fla. The family requests, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to the Florida Atlantic University Football Excellence Fund at 561-297-1094. Sign the guestbook at www.GoErie.com/obits