Michael Dutko

Michael J. Dutko, 37, of Spring Brook Township, passed away the evening of March 3, 2008, after a two-year-and-four-month battle with Lou Gehrig’s disease.
Surviving are his wife, the former Christy M. Williams, Pittston, and their two sons, Zachary Michael, age 6, and Michael Christopher, age 22 months. The Dutkos have been together since September of 1987, when they dated as seniors at Seton Catholic High School in Pittston. They married January 15, 1994, at the Mayfair Supper Club.
Born June 21, 1970, in Scranton, he was a son of Michael F. and Karen Gerrity Dutko, Avoca. Michael graduated from Wilkes University with a B.S. in Environmental Engineering and was employed as the quality manager at MacTac in Moosic, where he proudly worked amongst great, caring and supportive people. Also surviving are his only sibling, Erik Dutko, and his wife, Ishbara, of Philadelphia, Pa. Michael was extremely proud of his brother, Erik, who is an accomplished jazz guitarist.
Michael was an intelligent man who questioned life. Local newspapers often published Michael’s written Letters to the Editor. His subject material usually pertained to liberal, human rights and political issues such as one’s right to choose for one’s OWN self. Even while Michael was ill, he appeared on WYOU Interactive 11:00 p.m. news and laid down many Fetal vs Adult Stem Cell Research facts. He also stated “the unused embryos that women voluntarily donated for in vitro fertilization were already being destroyed, why not use these for research to help cure those plagued with such diseases as Diabetes, Parkinson’s and ALS.”
Michael was a huge music fan, enjoying classical, jazz and jam band music. He was a longtime fan of The Grateful Dead and guitarist Steve Kimock. Michael was an avid skier, enjoying Black Diamonds and every Mogul challenge. He was also a true outdoorsman and environmentalist appreciating nature and all it offered. He upheld the “Leave No Trace” policy. He and his wife both, along with friends and family and best friend Sampson, his black lab, enjoyed several night backpacking trips to such places as Yosemite/PCT, Grand Tetons, Montana, Smokey Mtns, WV’s Dolly Sods, Seneca Rocks, N.Y. Adirondacks, Central Pa’s Loyalsock Trail and Mid State Trail, and his favorite, Shenandoah National Park. Michael mostly enjoyed spending time with his two boys. This is what kept him going throughout his courageous battle with ALS.
The Dutko family is so grateful for the loving and tender care given by family and friends and the many caregivers with Hospice of the Sacred Heart and all the fine nurses at Hospice Community Care in Dunmore, where Michael spent his final days.
Also surviving are Michael’s many devoted aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.
Michaels’ “Celebration of Life” pictorial viewings will be held Friday, March 7, at Graziano Funeral Home Inc., 700 S. Township Boulevard, Pittston Township, from 1 to 4 p.m. and again from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Close friends and family are invited to attend a brief memorial service, Saturday, March 8 at 9 a.m. at Graziano Funeral Home where final words will be spoken in honor of Michael. A college fund has been set up for Michael’s two boys in lieu of flowers. Donations may be sent to M&T Bank, c/o Christy Dutko/Dutko Boys, 3 Main St, Pittston, PA 18640 or any M&T Bank.