Leon Clinton Utegg

Well, well, well, it appears that I, Lee C. Utegg, have managed to leave the party a little too early. Born in the humble town of Hornell, NY on January 26, 1949, I decided it was time to step off the golf course on September 16, 2025. Don't worry though, I've been practicing my swing dancing for the big gig in the sky.

I've been many things in my life - an adventurous traveler (did they ever catch that DB Cooper guy?), a proud US Marine, a Defense Contractor for "Uncle Sam" as Director, Government Product Testing, and a resident of more places than a globe-trotting gypsy. From Modesto, California to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Ottawa, and finally The Villages, Florida (where the party never stopped). But above all, I've been the thoughtful, funny, spirited guy you will remember.

I've danced, fished, golfed, and even dabbled in magic. Not to mention my love for live music, woodworking, reading, opera, and Anti-Trump rallies. When I wasn't busy telling Dad jokes, taking out the boat, or traveling to visit friends & family, I was busy being the life of the party. I've also been a dad, a brother, an uncle, a grandpa, and a pretty good dance partner to Karen Freeman.

I leave behind a short list of beloved people who made my life's dance a little more than a jig. My daughter, Ericka (AJ Verel) Graves; sister, Becky (John) Stranges; brother, Arno (Diane) Utegg II; sister, Mary Utegg; nephews: Jonathon, Nathan, Austin and Arno III; nieces: Michelle, Amy, Maggie, and Kiersten; my oh-so-handsome grandsons, Evan and Ashton Graves. I joined the great beyond with my mother, Margaret Utegg, and father, Arno Utegg; my only son, Erik Lee Utegg (who owes me a round of golf), and an infant sister, Evon Utegg.

For those who'd like to pay their respects (& hear some of my legendary jokes), there'll be a little get-together at Haughey Funeral Home, Inc., 216 East 1st Street, Corning, New York, 14830 on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at 2:00 pm. Afterwards, we'll head over to Seamans Cemetery, 11 Seaman Place, Savona, New York, 14879 for a graveside service at 3:45 pm.

Remember, I'm not gone, I've only left the room. Feel free to share stories, photos and maybe plan a trip to the Villages next month to celebrate my life. After all, laughter was my favorite sound.