Paul Dutka

NEWMARKET - Paul Dutka, 54, died Wednesday, March 15, 2017, at his brother's home in Greenville, S.C. Born on June 26, 1962, in Exeter, New Hampshire. He was the son of Edward and Regina Dutka of Newmarket.

He was a 1980 graduate of Newmarket High School. He graduated from the University of New Hampshire in 1984 with a Bachelor's degree in Music Education. He got his Master's degree in Music Performance from the highly regarded College of Music at the University of North Texas in 1989.

Paul was best known for his work in musical theater. He played about 150 different musicals, participating in a total of over 300 productions, usually as a multiple woodwind player. Heard most frequently at Lyric Stage and Uptown Players' Productions, Paul also played in the Garland Summer Musicals, Theatre Three, and the Plano Repertory Theatre.

Paul was a member of the Oak Lawn Band for over 25 years. At various times, he played every woodwind instrument from piccolo to contrabass clarinet, always eager to do extra chamber music of many kinds. He also did some arranging and conducting during his time in the band, attended numerous LGBA conferences and assisted behind the scenes when the Oak Lawn Band hosted the 2012 LGBA conference.

When Flutes Unlimited was founded in 1993, Paul was one of the original members. Over more than two decades, he played all but 2 or 3 performances of this ensemble, playing at National Flute Association Conventions and creating several beautiful arrangements for the group, which will be an important part of his legacy. A powerful bass flute player, he was always agreeable to playing any position in the ensemble and conducted on occasion.

Paul was a regular communicant at St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church where he also shared his many musical talents.

Survivors include his brothers John Dutka and his wife Dawn of Newmarket, and Michael Dutka and his wife Amy of Greenville, S.C.; four nieces and nephews, Keelie Dutka and Ryan Dutka of Newmarket, Ethan and Alyssa Dutka of Greenville, SC.

SERVICES: Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, April 9, from 4-6 p.m., at the Kent & Pelczar Funeral Home, 77 Exeter St., Newmarket. A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday at 10 a.m., at St. Mary's Church with the Rev. Marc Montminy as celebrant. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Newmarket.

Rather than flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice Care of South Carolina, 1 Caledon Court, Suite 1-A, Greenville, SC, 29615. Phone: 864-235-0344.

Visit www.kentandpelczarfh.com to sign an online guestbook.