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Anthony "Tony" Gutowski III
Anthony "Tony" Gutowski III
Obituary
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Anthony Gutowski III Obituary
Tony, a name etched into the hearts of many, leaves behind an enduring legacy of love, laughter, and the warm embrace of family. His beloved wife, Donna; daughters Carly (Adam), and Liz (Jerry); and his five treasured grandchildren, Gunner, Ethan, Prima, Trace, and Jackson, now carry the torch of his love. His siblings, Barb, Richard, and David, stand as sentinels to his memory, a testament to the familial bonds that time cannot sever.
As a master craftsman of custom cabinetry, Tony's hands shaped more than mere wood. Each curve and joint of his creations whispered stories of a life dedicated to beauty and purpose. Gutowski Cabinet Works, his three-decade testament, stands as a monument to the man whose soul spoke through the grains of oak and whispers of walnut.
His life was a tapestry woven with the vibrant threads of myriad pursuits. Tony sailed upon the crests of waves, plunged into the depths as a scuba diver, and trod the silent paths of nature's majesty. With a ghost hunter's quiet courage, he sought the spectral echoes of history, and through the cultivated beauty of his gardens, he conversed with the earth. His laughter echoed in the shared joy of Dad jokes, and his wisdom was imparted through the pages he turned and the lives he uplifted in selfless volunteerism.
Tony's tenure as the distinguished Governor of the Southwest District Kiwanis from 2021-2022 was a chapter of service, where his hands, which so skillfully coaxed life from wood, also uplifted the hearts of his community. Tony also assisted rural areas in their growth, through the Maricopa County Community Development Advisory Committee.
As the twilight of his life's day gives way to the stars, Tony's memory is cradled in the arms of the cosmos. A celestial memorial service shall be held in his honor on Friday, February 23rd, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. under the watchful gaze of the heavens at New River Kiwanis Community Park, 48606 N 17th Ave, New River, AZ. Here, amidst the whispers of the desert wind and the embrace of gathered kin and kindred spirits, we will celebrate the man, the myth, the loving echo in the chamber of hearts he leaves behind.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Harry Shapiro
May 5, 2025
Blessings for a great Kiwanis friend...
Jeannette gutowski Robert and Chris
April 24, 2024
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Gary Lauletta
March 25, 2024
OMG! Tony I always thought it would be me before you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the laughter and fun! For trusting in me to help get the business started!! Those were some crazy times. Donna, Girls, I am so very sorry for your loss, but God got the best when He called him home!! Be thankful for the times you've had, it took him a lifetime to do them with you all! God Bless Bro
Jeffrey Doyle
February 27, 2024
To the girls: recently a very good friend of mine gave me the news of Tony Gutowski death. I'm addressing you the 'girls' Donna,carla,Liz, because it was you all brought me into your family. From the beginning I was introduced as the son and brother of your family. Tony(the dude( accepted me in all of my landscape something. My definition was strongly influenced by your DAD. My history has a chapter of the famous Gutowski family. My next chapter has to hold as I wonder where I go, I miss Tony. I miss all the girls who made me, I wishful the of the gutowski family the ability to retreat to the desert sky, it will heal. My deepest sympathy, love you all .Jeffrey Doyle(my Touch landscaping)
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Ron Simmons
February 23, 2024
Tony has been my close friend for over half a century. I will miss you Antonio. What am I supposed to do with this can of Spam? My love to all the family. Ron Simmons
The Zychowski Family (Andrew, Beth, Scott, Jessi, & Family)
February 21, 2024
Dear Gutowski Family,
The Zychowski family extends our deepest condolences on the passing of Tony. His friendship meant the world to us, and we cherished the years of camaraderie in Arizona. Tony's craftsmanship in our jewelry store reflected not just skill but love, and we'll forever appreciate the heart and quality he poured into his work. His calming presence was a gift, and being around Tony always brought ease. We'll dearly miss our dear friend.
With heartfelt sympathy,
The Zychowski Family
Howard & Pat Fleischmann
February 21, 2024
We were so sadden to have heard the passing of Tony....Howard has sat on boards & worked with businesses in our Community with him... smart businessman. The guy that everyone wants to meet & have as a friend-
Carol Powell (Drouillard)
February 21, 2024
To all the rides in the ol Bonneville with the wind in everyone's hair... such sweet memories of children and laughter and good friends.... May your spirit soar as you are now at perfect peace. Sending love, hugs and prayers to Donna, the girls and grandchildren.
Liz Gutowski Theobald
February 20, 2024
My Dad is more than just "Tony", he is a husband, father, grandfather (Popa/Bopa), friend, mentor, Kiwanian, and master woodworker. He gave so much of himself to everyone he met.
He loves my mom deeply and has since he was a teenager. He loves his family immensely and is so very proud of all of us. He was the patient, calm one that our family leaned on. If my Mom didn´t give him all of his grey hair, my sister and I contributed, along with Prima (only granddaughter). He guided us with love even when we didn´t deserve it.
He loved giving back. He was so proud of his time with Kiwanis. He always wanted to help. With a smile. He was always smiling.
He took the time for everyone. He taught us to care and to take a breath and lead with love. He taught lessons. The biggest lesson I have to take away from this is time. Make the time. He always made the time.
Dad has the best sense of humor. He is funny! So funny! His laugh was contagious. He would introduce us to the oddest things in life and it would be entertaining. We would laugh all the time. I miss his laugh, jokes and notorious hand farts to any song.
I love my dad. I wish I could tell him one more time. He had so much more to give on this earth.
"I love you more. No one could love you as much as I love you. L is for love. Love you, mean it." I will be with you again. You will find Mom again in the next life because you both were soulmates. This love story isn´t over.
I love you Dad. Be water, my friend. I´ll see you again.
Howard and Pat Fleischmann
February 20, 2024
Your heart soon will be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Lisa Willingham
February 19, 2024
I remember the first time I met Tony and Donna, they were so kind and warm, and wanting to do what was best for students. I am so sorry for all of the family's loss, I will keep all of you in my prayers. Sincerely, Lisa Willingham
david gutowski
February 19, 2024
Tony my kid brother we had a happy childhood together! brother Dave
Kathy Fink
February 19, 2024
What a loving tribute to Tony. His smiles will live forever in hearts of so many. The mentor, friend and family man. I was blessed to call him friend thru Kiwanis.. I loved working with him during New River Kiwanis' Lobster festivities in May, for a few years and other community projects. There is not enough time or words to express how he toyched so many lives. God bless. Kathy Fink of Glendale AZ now Rapid City SD.
Leroy Tapia
February 19, 2024
My condolences to the Family. He was a good man.
Carly
February 18, 2024
Carly
February 18, 2024
Jeff Johnson
February 18, 2024
You know, people can enter your life from many directions and make a + or -
on it. Tony was a ++ in my life. He introduced me to an opportunity for service
to others I greatly appreciate and thank Tony for. Until he and his wife Donna introduced me to Kiwanis - a club dedicated to "serving the children of the world" - I had been searching for an opportunity to get involved in a function that would let me provide "service" to others and this was one. I thank Tony and Donna for doing so and allowing me to assist in establishing "The Kiwanis Club of Greater Anthem Area". I know our Club has had a positive effect in many ways. Thank you Tony for that and for your positive encouragement and guidance over the time I was given to know you. Your Friend, Jeff Johnson
Chuck and Carole
February 18, 2024
Besides being a generous humanitarian, wonderful family man and skilled craftsman Tony will be remembered for his many other accomplishments. Many do not know of his win at in the Speedo Ocean Man competition in Barbados circa 1990 or that he was the unofficial president of the New River chapters of both the Leon Redbone and Weird Al Yankovich fan clubs. He was also an avid watcher of The Ghoul from back in his Richmond, Michigan days. He had an amazing aloe, Zen garden and his collection of wind chimes made one feel as if they had been
transported to Kathmandu. He was always up, or down, for "Pajama Day" and always ready to "palm the Cool Whip". He made a tasty Pico de Gallo and had a corny joke ready for any occasion. He wasn't "blood" but he was the best brother-in-law anyone could ever have. This is how we will always remember him. Chuck and Carole Stearns
Joe and Barb Jurek
February 18, 2024
like my husband JOE said my TONY always had a smile on his face and laughter in his heart. Arizona has lost a great man. No one will ever fill his shoes. I WAS BLESSED TO BE HIS SISTER
May Moten
February 18, 2024
I was lucky enough to meet him several times through my life. His smile and gentle nature was always so easy to be around. My condolences to his sweet family and to all who called him a friend.
Laurie Conklin
February 18, 2024
It´s hard to put into words the loss we feel at Tony´s passing.
We officially became family in 2000 when our children Adam and Carly married. We have over two decades of shared memories and experiences. We loved his kindness, sense of humor (yes, the dad jokes) and still detectable Michigan accent.
While standing in our home looking any direction you can see his handiwork. We love our Gutowski cabinets. He had such talent and a real desire to give his clients over and above what they were expecting.
He was an excellent "Boppa" to all the grandkids, a loving husband and father as well. Donna, Carly and Liz you are blessed to have had him in your lives.
Rest in peace. We love you Tony. David and Laurie Conklin
Shareen
February 17, 2024
Tony was a guiding light on this space rock we call home. What he created with his hands & his great heart will live on through each & every life he touched. Words cannot convey the loss of this wonderful soul. Our hearts & prayers are with Donna and the entire Gutowski family. With much love & respect, Shareen & Joe Goodroad
Jada miles
February 17, 2024
Getting to play trivia with the smart minded, quick witted, enthusiastic person he was.
Ann Hutchinson and Paul (Rail) McAllister
February 17, 2024
So many favorite memories - the cabinets he refurbished and recovered for us certainly comes to mind. Mostly we remember that every gathering he always had a joke or story that made us laugh. He always had time to help a friend. His company Gutowski Cabinets was a sponsor of the Smithsonian WaterWays Exhibit hosted by Black Canyon Heritage Park and Canon Elementary School in Black Canyon City - huge value to the community. We send our love and support to Donna and the family.
Dax
February 17, 2024
Donna & Tony, Liz & Jerry, Carly & Adam. Thank you for always Welcoming me as an honorary "Schulmanskibald Family member into your life and Home.
I will always remember laid back low key attitude, his smile, his jokes, his long full head of hair and specialty hats as well as our "Family time" and picture aboard the cruise ship in Mexico.
Rest Well Mr. Gutowski
Veral Hill
February 17, 2024
Your passing hurts everyone you touched. Thanks for introducing me to Jimmy Buffett, ABBA, and many others. Thanks for teaching me how to value family above all else. Rest in paradise my friend. Until that day
Nicole Wells
February 17, 2024
I will think of Tony every time I open the cabinet he custom-fitted in my house. His unique laughter will always resound in my ears. Such a loss. My supportive thoughts to Donna.
Angela Dotson
February 17, 2024
Tony was a beloved patient of my dental practice and friend. His daughter Liz introduced us. It would always put a smile on my face when I would see Tony and Donna on the schedule for the day. We enjoyed many deep & caring conversations even in a dental chair. Tony will be greatly missed. It was an honor to treat him, know him, and call him my friend.
Carly Conklin
February 17, 2024
My father had a contagious smile. He was loved and will be missed by many.
KAthy Buionocore
February 17, 2024
Always enjoyed talking with Tony during his visits to Sierra Vista. Condolences to his family.
Lorie Rix
February 17, 2024
Always that beautiful smile!
Barbara Mizelle
February 17, 2024
I Met Tony through Kiwanis, he came and spoke to our club soon after his induction as Governor of the Southwest District. Tony was larger than life and he lived and loved Kiwanis. He will be deeply missed.
Barbara Mizelle, Kiwanis Club of Scottsdale.
Harry Shapiro
February 17, 2024
A great friend and a true Kiwanian. Enjoyed working on many projects over the years.
Peter Carpenter
February 17, 2024
Many times , when Tony visited the Carefree Kiwanis Club, we shared tales of our adventures serving Kiwanis. Tony will be missed, but his service deeds to our children and Kiwanis of the Southwest will live on. Thank you Tony. Peter R. Carpenter, Past Distinguished Lieutenant Governor ,SWD, Kiwanis.
Linda Ballard
February 17, 2024
I met Tony and Donna through Kiwanis. He was instrumental in starting and building a Kiwanis Club in Prescott Valley, AZ. I loved working with Tony and Donna in Kiwanis. He will be missed by many
Lynne A Gudin
February 17, 2024
Tony was a dear friend and a great Kiwanian. My favorite memory of Tony was making him blush. I served as his convention chair for our District convention in 2022, during his year as our SWD Governor and we had a great time playing games with all, some of which may have embarrassed him, slightly. He was a kind man with a big heart and I am proud to call Tony and Donna my dear friends. You will be missed greatly. God is lucky to have you in heaven!!
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