Gary David Utriainen

Gary David Utriainen, 80, of Phoenix, AZ, passed away from lung cancer on November 28, 2022. Gary was born January 28, 1942 to Hugo Utriainen and Dorothy Cwick in Highland Park, MI. He spent his career in construction, selling acoustical materials. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed playing with friends and family.
He married Nancy Colucci in 1962, and they became parents to daughter Lisa in 1963. After their divorce, Gary married Mary Ann McIsaac Schoolcraft in 1975 and moved to McHenry, IL, with her daughter Laura. In 2004, they moved to Phoenix to join Laura and her husband, Lawrence Cummings, in welcoming their grandson David, named after his grandfather. Gary often returned to Michigan to visit Lisa and her husband, Robert DiSanto. He was thrilled to become a great-grandfather. His granddaughter Erica (DiSanto) and her husband Steven Turner are expecting in December, while his granddaughter Amanda (DiSanto) and her husband Jeffery Roegner are expecting in March 2023. His granddaughter Kristina DiSanto is engaged to Brandon Madynski. His nephew Jay Genaw, wife Kimberly, son Jack, and daughter Olivia of Michigan were also frequent visitors.
Betty Cherry was Gary's significant other for the past decade. She took excellent care of Gary as his health declined.
Gary was predeceased by his parents, his sister Susan Kay Dick and his wife Mary Ann.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to the Franciscan Renewal Center (thecasa.org).