Vincent Cuttie

Vincent Edward Cuttie, 62, of Aurora, passed away peacefully on July 19, 2025, after a short but fierce battle with cancer. He met it with quiet courage and the same strength he brought to everything he loved.

Vince was the kind of man who made a lasting impression-whether it was through a perfectly restored porch, a gleaming paint job on a vintage motorcycle, or a handshake that turned into a lifelong friendship. His hands told the story of a life spent building, fixing, creating, and giving.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold J. and Catherine (née Worland) Cuttie, and his brothers Bob and Harold "Jay" Cuttie. Left to carry on his legacy are his beloved sons and best friends, Jacob Cuttie and Luke Cuttie (Audra Ruchaj), and his cherished partner of the last 10 years, Sherry Winchester Schultz.

He is lovingly remembered by his nieces, nephews, cousins and his siblings: Don (Vallarie) Cuttie, Helen (Greg) Stutzman, Mary Jan (Rich) Lambert, Diane (Rick) Martin, Carol Cuttie, Cathy Windish, and Jim (Nolvia) Cuttie. Vince loved telling people that he was the "tenth of ten".

A proud graduate of Aurora Central Catholic High School and Waubonsee Community College, Vince followed his passion for cars into the auto body world, starting with a trade of four bald tires for a paint gun. From that moment on, he poured his soul into every car he touched-from neighborhood garages to prestigious dealerships like Town & Country Cadillac and Gartner Buick. His pride and joy was his 1964 Ford Galaxy 500 XL that he fully restored.

But Vince wasn't only a craftsman-he was an artist. He channeled his creativity into home restoration, founding Vincent & Sons Home Improvement in 1996. With a deep reverence for history and craftsmanship, he revived hundreds of homes across Aurora's Historic Districts winning many awards for his work. His porches, additions, and remodels weren't just structures-they were love letters to the city he adored. Vincent & Sons, Vince's legacy, lives on through the work of his trusted friend and foreman, Brett Vanatta.

Vince also shared his love of sports and mentorship through coaching Aurora Boys Baseball. From 1999 to 2010, he guided many teams to championships-but more importantly, he helped shape young lives with his wisdom, patience, and kindness.

He had a special gift for connection. Whether in a hardware store or walking downtown, Vince was the guy everyone stopped to greet. His warmth, humor, and genuine interest in others left a mark that won't fade.

Vince's most recent passion-restoring vintage motorcycles-was more than a hobby. It was a return to the roots of his creativity and freedom. His proudest build, a 1965 Triumph chopper named Sweet Leaf, was a true reflection of the man who built it-bold, unique, and full of heart.

To know Vince was to know love, laughter, and the joy of something made beautifully by hand. His legacy lives on in every life he touched and every project he brought to life with care and passion.

He will be profoundly missed and forever remembered.

There will be a Celebration of Life party on Tuesday, August 12, 2025 from 4-9pm at the Riverfront Playhouse, 11-13 Water Street Mall in downtown Aurora.