Anthony Vincent "Tony" Gutowski

March 6, 1984 – March 27, 2026

Anthony Vincent "Tony" Gutowski, age 42, passed away on March 27, 2026.

Tony served as Chief Government Relations and Business Development Officer at Akron Children's Hospital, where he dedicated his professional life to advocating for children and families across Northeast Ohio. In his role, he worked closely with leaders in Columbus and Washington, D.C., helping shape policy and ensuring that the needs of children, especially those most vulnerable, remained at the forefront of important decisions.

Tony was engaged and deeply connected to the world around him. Whether through his professional work or personal travels, he had a remarkable ability to connect with people. He never met a stranger, and those he encountered quickly became friends.

He found great joy in the outdoors and in experiencing the beauty of the natural world. Summers were often spent camping in state and national parks, especially alongside his fiancée, Kristen Martin, with whom he shared a deep and abiding love.

In addition to his love of the outdoors, Tony had a deep appreciation for life's simple pleasures. Music, cooking, and gardening were among his many passions, and he found joy in sharing them with those around him.

Kristen was the love of Tony's life and his partner in every sense. She was a steady voice, a source of strength, and a constant support as he balanced the demands of a meaningful and busy career. Their bond was one of mutual respect, care, and deep affection. She will miss him profoundly.

Tony also found comfort in the companionship of his beloved pets, Jazzy, their loyal dog, and Kingston, their cat. They were a constant presence in his life and a source of comfort, laughter, and unconditional love.

Tony was preceded in death by his stepfather, Richard Saponari, and his grandparents, Merryl and Marie Gutowski, who played a significant role in his early life.

He is survived by his soulmate Kristen Martin, her parents Jana and Denny Martin, his mother, Maureen Saponari (Raffaele); his aunts and uncles, Merryl Gutowski (Donna), Myron Gutowski, Michael Gutowski (Mary), Matthew Gutowski (Cheryl), Marlene Reil (Rick), Mark Gutowski (Paula), Mitch Gutowski (Erin), and Marilyn Smith (Alvin); as well as many cousins, colleagues, and dear friends.

Tony had a rare gift for bringing people together and for making every gathering feel fuller, warmer, and more alive. He lived with purpose, led with compassion, and gave generously of himself to others. He used his gift of life well, and the world is undeniably changed by his absence.

In honoring Tony's life, we remember not only the work he did, but the passion and purpose he brought to it every single day. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the organization he so deeply believed in and tirelessly supported. Tony's work was not just a job, but a calling. Through these contributions, his spirit of compassion, commitment, and service will live on.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Akron Children's Foundation.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Akron Children's Foundation, One Perkins Square, Akron, OH 44308, (330) 543-8340, or online at https://give.akronchildrens.org/tonygutowski

Friends may call at THE FERFOLIA FUNERAL HOME 356 W. AURORA RD. (OHIO RTE.82) SAGAMORE HILLS FOR VISITATION SATURDAY 12 NOON UNTIL 5P.M.
Following services, all are invited to remember Tony at: Catered Elegance Party Center
26383 Broadway Avenue Oakwood, Ohio 44146

A larger Celebration of Life will be held in June. Details forthcoming.


www.ferfoliafuneralhomes.com