Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Edward Gutman Obituary
The ever curious and inquisitive mind of Ed Gutman came to rest on Feb.2, 2021, a day when yet another science book he had ordered arrived in the mail. Ed was born in Cleveland, Ohio Feb.12, 1943 to parents Edward and Mildred Gutman and raised in a home where his love of card games began. He attended John Carroll University and Iowa State University earning a Phd in physics. In Iowa he met and married Hilary, his wife of 51 years. After a postdoctoral year at University of Illinois, Ed took a position at Xerox, where he would later become a Research Fellow and in 1988 earn the President's Award, the company's highest honor. A kind, gentle, unassuming man, Ed could fix just about anything. He especially enjoyed playing board and card games with his children and later his grandchildren. He was a wily bridge player, a lover of silly puns and a man of devout faith. In retirement Ed and Hilary spent their winters in Alameda, CA, privileged to be ushers for the San Francisco Opera, Ballet and Symphony. In California Ed found more bridge to play, became an English Country dancer with Hilary, enjoyed a science and religion study group, and was a volunteer tax preparer.
Along with Hilary he is survived by daughter, Karen Soanes (Alan) and son, Brian Gutman (Kara). He was Poppy to grandchildren, Emma and Madeline Soanes, David and Olivia Gutman. He is also survived by sisters, Charlene Krupitzer (Ron) and Mary Pavlick, five nephews, and "George" his prize wining 6ft robot built his senior year of high school and who now graces the entrance to the Webster summer cottage Ed and Hilary rebuilt.
A memorial celebration of Ed's life will be held at 11am, Sat. June 26th at Mt. Rise UCC Church, 2 Mt. Rise, Fairport, NY.
Memorial Donations may be made to the Myasthenia Foundation of America, 1707 N. Randall Rd., Suite 200, Elgin IL 60123 or charity of your choice in Ed's name.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Edward Gutman
Donna Ecker
January 30, 2024
Dear Hilary,
I pray this anniversary will bring you more happy memories than the sad moments of death. Ed was such a gentle soul, offering so much to the world in his time among us. Prayers for comfort and peace. Donna
Lisa Quail
July 7, 2021
Hilary, Sorry to hear about Ed. Ed was always a gracious and polite person. I've always enjoyed ushering and talking with you and Ed at the Opera House.
Janet Nelson
June 17, 2021
Ah! A most amazing and gracious man and a huge part of very good memories about Xerox. It is a pleasure to say I knew Ed at Xerox, and to know that, through his family, his inventions and his story he will absolutely not be forgotten. Please and blessings to his family
Robert A. Leskovec
April 19, 2021
Dear Hilary,
I was just reading the JCU Alumni Magazine, and so sorry to learn that Ed had Passed away. My deepest condolences to you and the family. I am so grateful we all got to all see each other at the SJHRC reunions!
JANE VOLL
March 2, 2021
Dear Hilary and Family, I was so sad to hear about Ed. I so enjoyed ushering with both of you at both the Opera House and the SF Symphony--as you wrote, a privilege and joy. We also shared a few lunches and talks when you did those double shifts, and I went back home. Ed will be missed, but I hope that we will continue to see you, and that, with time, those fifty wonderful years you had with Ed will not be so painful. With love, Jane and Dan Voll
Kelly Smith
February 14, 2021
Hilary, I'm so very saddened to hear this news. My heart goes out to you. Ed always exuded such a kind and calming manner. It was always a pleasure to work with him at the Opera House. He will be missed.
Robyn Sandberg
February 13, 2021
It was such a pleasure to usher with Ed at the San Francisco Opera House. He was always so courteous, professional and warm. Hilary - I send my condolences.
Margaret Duggan Maceda
February 13, 2021
Hilary, I’m so sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed seeing the two of you usher together and will miss him. I hope to see you soon, in person, to express my condolences.
With sympathy,
Margaret (from Buffalo)
Mike Duggan
February 9, 2021
What an intelligent, kind and helpful person he was. I learned so much from Ed when I worked with him at Xerox. He was a wonderful person and a great teacher. Rest In Peace.
William Dale
February 8, 2021
Ed was a highly respected and wonderful colleague during the time I worked with him on important projects at Xerox. I am sure that where ever he is things just got better.
Donna Ecker
February 7, 2021
I'll bet he and Lois are playing spades in heaven!!! In his quiet soft-spoken way, Ed was a giant of a man. His ability to fix anything kept Bethany House under good repair. Thank you Ed. Rest well and smile now.
Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results
Make a Donation
in Edward Gutman's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
Memorial Events
for Edward Gutman
How to support Edward's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Edward Gutman's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
