Leonard John Kutyla

Leonard "Lenny" John Kutyla, 73, of Aydlett, NC, passed away peacefully at home on September 22, 2024, surrounded by his loving wife, Julie, and their children.
Born on March 26, 1951 in Union, New Jersey to the late Gilda and Walter Kutyla. He is survived by his devoted wife, Julie Biggé Kutyla; son, Ross (Melisé) Kutyla; daughter, Amanda (Dave) Kielar; and grandchildren, Aubrey, Averi, Emily, Jack, Luke, and Grace. His brothers, Ron (MaryAnn) Kutyla, and Cliff Kutyla; sister, Pat Kutyla; along with many cherished nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.
Lenny attended St. Mary's Catholic Grammar School and Thomas Jefferson Arts Academy in Elizabeth, NJ, before earning an associate degree in engineering from Union County Technical School. He then worked as a mechanical draftsman at Diamond Head Corp, where he met Julie, the love of his life. They married on March 4, 1978. Lenny dedicated 30 years to the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, specializing as a painter and wallpaper hanger. The couple began their family in Fanwood, NJ, in 1984 and then spent 20 years raising their children in Hillsborough, NJ. In 2008, following his retirement, Lenny fulfilled his dream of building a home, doing so on a property in Aydlett, NC that they had discovered during one of their many vacations to the Outer Banks.
In his spare time, Lenny enjoyed classic cars (owning many different makes/models), tackling various home projects, and watching NASCAR races, often attending races with his brothers and son, Ross. He loved date nights and vacations with Julie. He insisted on celebrating his Polish heritage with pierogies and kielbasa at all holiday meals. He enjoyed music from the Beach Boys, Garth Brooks, Elvis, Roy Orbison, Zac Brown Band and Alan Jackson. If you knew Lenny, you knew he was well-known for his very distinct, loud, and infectious laugh that brought joy to those around him.
Lenny began his battle with cancer in 2015, facing numerous challenges over the past nine years. His courage was evident as he endured so many surgeries, radiation, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy for Lung Adenocarcinoma, Stage 4 Prostate Cancer and Merkel Cell Carcinoma. Throughout his journey, his family and medical team were continually blown away by his strength, resilience, and unwavering faith.
The Kutyla family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to his exceptional medical team, starting with the dedicated staff at Virginia Oncology Associates, specifically Dr. Julia Schaefer-Cutillo, Beth, Sabrina, Torina, Melissa, Shaye, Camille and Ashlyn, among others.
They also truly thank his primary care providers Dr. Lynn Butler and Dr. Sam Furia for their extraordinary care during routine and urgent visits. Thank you to Cathy and Heather of MSA Hospice for your care in his last moments and to their amazing Grace Lutheran Church family and Pastor Pete Grana.
Additionally, the family extends their genuine thanks to Kim Ouellette from Laura's Wish Foundation for providing them with the most memorable final family trip to the 2024 Daytona 500, creating cherished memories and happiness during such a difficult time.
In lieu of flowers, the Kutyla family encourages donations to Laura's Wish Foundation to support other families facing terminal illness. Donations can be made at: https://donorbox.org/lenny-kutyla-memorial.
A Celebration of Lenny's Life will be held on Saturday, October 5th, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at his beloved home church, Grace Lutheran Church-by-the-Sea, 4212 S Croatan Hwy, Nags Head, NC 27959 with reception to follow. Casual attire is encouraged; black is not required. Please feel free to wear regular colors or patterns.
Lenny's spirit will be profoundly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Twiford Funeral Homes, 405 E. Church Street, Elizabeth City, NC is assisting the Kutyla Family. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.TwifordFH.com.