Douglas E. Lutzy

Douglas E. Lutzy, "Doug" passed away early Sunday, July 23, 2023, at the age of 74
after a year long battle with cancer.
Doug was born September 17,1948 in Syracuse, NY to Foster and Gretchen (Hepfner)
Lutzy. Doug was raised in a neighborhood of friends and enjoyed days of adventure.
Time with family was filled with the richness of cousins and Doug's partner in crime, his
younger brother Kevin. Doug started a lifelong love affair with music and the piano at
age 7. After just beginning lessons his teacher told his mom, "He has a gift!".
Music carried Doug through his life. In high school Doug became a part of the West
Genesee Wildcat Marching Band in Camillus, NY. This Wildcat family would hold a
place in Doug's heart and he would return every five years to celebrate with fellow
alumni in the Memorial Day Parade, including a final time this year. Once the marching
band was together, Doug quickly fell into step and formation and nothing sounded better
than the "Battle Hymn" playing as they reached the crest of the hill in Camillus.
After high school Doug went on to study electrical engineering at Clarkson College of
Technology. Doug would partake in all the college fun including hockey games, movie
nights, and your average nerdy activities.
After graduation, Doug took a job with the State of New York where he would continue
to grow and excel with the Public Service Commission working to help the people of
New York by regulating the rates that the power company could charge, aways using
spreadsheets and graph paper to solve even the simplest things. During his almost 40
years of service Doug was part of the PSC carolers, bringing his love of music and
singing to the halls of his office building, lightening hearts and spreading holiday cheer.
In 1980 Doug married Patty (Depew) and she brought with her two sons Jeffrey Van
Blarcom and Greg Prindle. Soon after daughter Sarah was born and completed the
family. Together their lives were filled with adventures, injuries, vacations, and music.
Doug would work tirelessly through the years to provide for the family, keep a gorgeous
lawn and plant the seeds of dedication, perseverance, kindness and faith in the lives of
the children and those around him. Doug was a faithful member of St. Stephen's
Episcopal Church of Delmar, NY. Doug loved singing in the choir, playing piano and
sometimes organ and even performing solos and duets during major holiday
celebrations.
Doug was a dedicated member of the Mendelssohn Club of Albany where he sang his
heart out at Holiday and Spring concerts. Doug found a love for golf, a game he never
mastered but much more enjoyed for the time out on the green with his brother and
friends. This love of golf would create a yearly trip for Doug, brother Kevin, and brothers
in law each year. The "brothers" shared road trip laughs, endless crab legs andmemories of a lifetime.
Going South for this trip would entice both Doug and Kevin to
move to the Carolinas after retirement. In 2013 Doug made the big move and took on
the role of caregiver for their mom. Doug and his mom took finding a church home very
seriously and they visited several area churches before deciding on Camp United
Methodist in Shallotte. Camp stood out as a friendly and warm atmosphere and Doug
soon found himself in the choir and accompanying on the piano when needed. Doug's
faith and love for music truly shone through his time at Camp and he was welcomed
with open arms and hearts. The Camp parishioners have been his family and carried him, Kevin, and their mother
through the difficulties of this past year.
Survived by his mother Gretchen Lutzy and brother Kevin Lutzy (Beth), Patty Lutzy,
children Jeffrey Van Blarcom (Aimee), Greg Prindle (John Miller), and Sarah Bernas
(Matthew). Grandchildren Harris, Sheridan, and Giselle Van Blarcom, Grand dog Andy
Prindle-Miller, and Liam, Laureligh, and Lexie Bernas.Nephew Brandon Lutzy (Gabi)
and Niece Amanda Lutzy (Albert Clark) and grandnephew Ferris Clark.
Douglas was predeceased by his father Foster and his beloved dogs Chipper and
Buckley.
Funeral services will be Friday July 28th, 2023 at 10:00 am at Camp United Methodist
Church in Shallotte, NC. Services will be officiated by Pastor Terry Williams. There will
be a reception immediately following in the fellowship hall. Services in New York to be
determined at a later date.
Doug's last hours were spent being doted on and cared for in the most respectful and
compassionate way. We would love to express our gratitude to the facility and staff at
SECU Hospice House of Brunswick for this. Donations can be made in Doug's memory
to continue this mission.To give a tribute gift, please call 910.796.7900, or online at
https://lifecare.org/donate/. You may also mail your gift to: Lower Cape Fear LifeCare,
1414 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401.