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Ira Gutner Obituary
IRA JEFFERY GUTNER (1956-2014)
Ira Jeffrey Gutner, of Rhinebeck, NY, died on Friday, April 4, 2014 at his home, where he had lived with his husband John Schwartz. He was 57.
He was born on June 16, 1956 in New York City, NY. He grew up in Rye, NY and graduated from Syracuse University's School of Management in 1978. He embarked on a successful career in the garment industry in New York City and later spent eight years at Fabricland Inc., his family's textile business founded by his father, Lawrence Gutner and his late Uncle, Samuel Gutner.
After leaving Fabricland in 1994, he relocated to Rhinebeck, NY. Upon arriving there, he founded and opened Samuel's, a boutique specialty coffee and candy establishment inspired by and named after his late Uncle, Samuel Gutner. Samuel's is celebrating its' 20th anniversary in business this month. Ira was also active in many civic activities in the Rhinebeck community.
He is survived by his husband of twelve years, John Schwartz, his parents Lawrence and Mildred Gutner, his sister Robin Calman and her husband Charles, his brother Richard Gutner and his wife Kathy, and beloved nephews and nieces; Jason and Lauren Calman and Alexander, Samantha and Matthew Gutner.
A memorial service will be held on April 9 at the Dapson Chestney Funeral Home, 51 W. Market Street, Rhinebeck, NY 12572. Please contact the funeral home at 845-876-6000 or www.dapsonchestney.com for the service's time.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ira Gutner
Debbie Mc Nulty Rizzo
April 3, 2024
It´s hard to believe that ten years have passed since Ira left this life. I have lived between New York and Florida since then and on both of my refrigerators is Ira´s smiling face. I will never forget him.
Doris
April 1, 2022
Thinking back at the time when Ira would stop at the shop and bounce off knitting ideas are some of my fondest memories of working in Rhinebeck.
I am so lucky our lives touched even for that short time.
May you never run out of yarn and ideas on how to use it
Debbie Rizzo
March 13, 2022
My sweet friend Ira has been gone from us for almost 8 years now. The day after he passed I remember well. First a shock, then terrible sadness. But soon after, a feeling of such joy that I had Ira as my friend as so many of us did. It was impossible to not love him! Last night, I had the most wonderful dream that Ira was in the dental office where we first met. Of course, as dreams are, it was not exactly the same place, but it was Ira! We laughed and talked. I could hear his wonderful loud laugh; something I could always get him to do. I love to think that this was a beautiful visit and not just a dream. I awoke feeling so good! Ira, you'll always be a joy in our hearts!
Doris Formby
April 1, 2019
I will always remember Ira for his wam bear hugs and his enthusiasm for knitting.
I miss the chats we had about designs, stitches and yarn. He was always so eager to learn. I hope the future holds more of such chats ...
December 13, 2014
My condolences to the Gutner family. Ian and I met in NYC in the 80's. We really loved each other. Ira was a wonderful human being. Wil remember Thanksgiving at his parents home. I will always remember him and fun we had
Nancy Savelle -Boston
Heidi Krahling
May 5, 2014
I just learned of this sad, sad news and wish I could hug John forever. It has been so long since we visited and laughed, my dear friend. My last memory is of Ira's 50th birthday party that we enjoyed so much. To share in your love that day was so special. And the news of your marriage was music to my ears. So right. I am heartbroken over this sudden loss of light and love from our lives, and especially yours, John. Always in our hearts, Heidi and Chris
April 10, 2014
I will always remember the younger times in NYC. You were such a big part of that. Send my love to Corky!
Frank Barton
April 10, 2014
During my time as Postmaster of Rhinebeck, I was fortunate to have many encounters with Ira, for business and as a customer. He was simply the friendliest, kindest person one could meet and I am saddened to hear of his passing. R.I.P. Ira.
Doris Formby
April 10, 2014
I just finished writing a short personal tribute to Ira on my blog: http://knitwithdoris.blogspot.com/2014/04/whats-on-my-needles-week-12.html In short: He will be missed by many in this small Upstate New York community and he will not easily be forgotten. Knit on, Ira, God's speed!
Kitty Bateman
April 9, 2014
Rhinebeck will never be the same. We will miss you forever, Ira. Your love made an impact far and wide.
Sarah Conrad-Ferm
April 9, 2014
I love Ira. I used to see him more often and he was always so happy to see me. Even if time had passed, he always greeted me with a big smile and warm embrace, with real love. I was always so glad to see him. He was such a lovely man. I am so sad to hear of his passing. It hurts my heart to think of someone who made our lives richer, being gone from our days. I will never forget Ira. My condolences to his family and all of his friends. I imagine, to have had Ira in my daily life and then to lose him, would be devastating. Such a light he was.
April 9, 2014
I never met Ira, but spoke to him often whenever he needed coffee. He was also warm and friendly, fully of kind words and often lifted my spirit whenever I was having a difficult day. I will always remember him as someone who brighten my day on every occasion that we spoke. Gone but not forgotten
Olive from Gillies
April 9, 2014
Ira...I was fortunate to have been loved by you. Your love was lovely. It will stay & grow with me forever... amy
Laura Katz
April 8, 2014
Ira's sudden passing is a devastating loss to those of us who became a kind of extended family these past few years. My heart goes out to his family and my prayers for peace are with you.
My life has been enriched by knowing Ira. I trust that the Higher Power that brought us together has embraced our loving friend in eternal love.
Matthew Talbot
April 8, 2014
My thoughts and prayers go out to John and all of Ira's family. I have known Ira for almost five years and his passing has left a giant hole in my heart. I am still stunned at the news and dont want to believe that its true. Ira taught me so much in our times together. I am truly a better man for knowing him. I pray that he is in a better place and that I may continue to help others as he has helped me. I will always love you Ira! Rest in peace.
Sunny Schiffman
April 8, 2014
I will never forget Ira for as long as I live. My heart is broken. Sunny
April 8, 2014
I met Ira only once, but my daughter thought of Ira as a true friend. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him. My prayers are with his family.
Carole Green
Donald and Helene Calman
April 8, 2014
We knew Ira for 50 of his 57 years, when he and our son, Charles, first became best friends. That friendship remained firm, fast and true. When Charles married Ira's sister, Robin, Ira officially became part of our extended family. Although in later years we did not see him as frequently, it always gave us pleasure when we did. We admired his determination to live his life as he wanted to, and we enjoyed the success that he found in both his personal and business lives. Our hearts go out to his husband, John, and to all the family members.
Helene and Don Calman, Lenox, MA
April 8, 2014
I only met him once, but he was a great friend of my daughters and grandchildren.
Ira will be missed by all who knew him.
Kristen Harris
April 8, 2014
Growing up in Rhinebeck I spent my childhood in Samuel's. Ira was the friendliest man with the most infectious smile. We would look forward to our daily visits after school to see Ira and hear his stories. He always welcomed us and was proud that we used his shop as our 'hangout'. Later in life as an adult he mentored my sister when she needed a friend most. It is heart breaking that he was taken so soon. May he rest in peace and his family and friends relive the memories of him from years to come.
diana brind
April 8, 2014
such a good and caring man, you will be missed
Anne Walker
April 8, 2014
May The Light Always Shine
Around You!
With a heavy heart, Much love,
Anne
Cece Pittman
April 8, 2014
To John, family, and friends of Ira - my sincerest sympathy. Ira will be so missed. May your memories of him bring you comfort in the days ahead.
Jeff & Carrie Enoch
April 8, 2014
To the entire Gutner family Carrie and I are shocked to hear this news. Such a loss! We can only pray that Ira is in a more peaceful place now. Please accept our entire family's sincerest condolances.
Tami Green
April 8, 2014
My prayers go out to iras family members. I have never met him but knew him through my sisters Facebook page . He was a blessing to those lives he has touched.
April 8, 2014
My world will never be the same without my IraLee in it.
I love you forever. Sherrilee
April 8, 2014
My sincere sympathy to the family for the loss of your dear loved one. May you find peace and comfort in Psalms 65:2. Again my deepest sympathy.
Bob Brink
April 8, 2014
Ira was a dear friend for so many years. His warmth and honesty will be missed by all of those who knew him and whose lives he touched.
Richelle Peterson
April 8, 2014
My prayers go out to John and Ira's family. Also to the extended family at Samuel's. I am so grateful for our friendship and your authentic love and way. You have taken a piece of my heart Roo and will always be with me. Here's to you. Love, Rock
Joan & Robert Michaelis
April 8, 2014
Ira will be missed greatly by us. Our families have been close for over 70 years and the memories of holidays and celebrations and together are a source of comfort. Ira will live in our hearts. Our hearts go out to his family.
Bonnie Schweppe
April 8, 2014
So very sad. He was a quiet and loving inspiration to all.
Wendy Stewart
April 8, 2014
My prayers go out to Ira's husband, family, and friends. I hope during this time of great sadness and tears you can find a warm happy memory of Ira and smile one more time...RIP Ira.
Catherine Kane
April 8, 2014
I'm a childhood friend of Ira's husband John. From John's posts and from my own experience of belonging to a neighborhood gathering place like Samuel's, I can see what a positive influence Ira was... and what a hole will be left in his family and community.
Lori Kelman
April 7, 2014
You took a part of me with you, Ira. Thank you for your gift of friendship. I love you. I will remember you always. Xo
Judy Fein
April 7, 2014
Ira was a bit of sunshine on Market Street. He had a smile for everyone and always something kind to say. I will miss him very much. My condolences to John and Ira's family. He was a real mensch and a huge loss to our community.
Klara Sauer
April 7, 2014
I still can't believe it. Ira was universally loved by everyone in Rhinebeck! He created a place that was like a cozy kitchen where everyone was welcome to visit, chat, and enjoy his wonderful chocolate and coffee. You were made to feel like a member of his family. What a loss - I still can't quite believe it.
With profound sympathy to all his family,
JOY CASTRO
April 7, 2014
TO ALL THE GUTNERS....WE ARE SO SORRY ABOUT IRA....WE KNOW HE WAS A VERY LOVED PERSON.....JOY AND SABY CASTRO
Jana Brenning
April 7, 2014
An extraordinary man and dear friend has gone too soon. Deepest sympathies to all who loved, and were loved by him.
Bryan Mayster
April 7, 2014
I met Ira in 1979 at a communal lunch table in a restaurant. He sat down next to me as a stranger and we got up from that table an hour later as life long friends. At my wedding, he sat with my 80-year-old grandmother for an hour, listening to her every word as if she were dispensing the greatest insights known to man. She never saw him again, but every time I saw her after that, she always inquired about that wonderful young man from my wedding. A few years later, while visiting Rhinebeck with my family, my children were told to call him "Uncle Ira." That was Ira. He had such a wonderful gift of being able to connect with everyone from small children to the elderly. John may not remember my visit to Rhinebeck many years ago, but I will never forget the closeness Ira and John shared. Rest in peace, my friend.
Nancy Weintraub
April 7, 2014
Dear John,family and friends of Ira,
I am stunned by this news and send love and prayers to all of you across the miles from Los Angeles. Ira and I were friends for many years and I will miss his handsome, smiling face and warm and loving heart. May he rest peacefully in a kinder and gentler place.
Nancy Weintraub
April 7, 2014
To John,family and friends of Ira,
I am stunned by this news and can't even begin to grasp what happened as Ira mentioned nothing to me when we last spoke. My heart goes out to all of you at this sudden loss. I will always remember the handsome, smiling, wonderful Ira as he was when we met in 1988 and continued our friendship across the miles from the east to west coast.
May he rest peacefully in a kinder, gentler place.
Nancy Weintraub
S B
April 7, 2014
I am so sorry for the family's loss. May you draw close to the hearer prayer during this difficult time. Psalms 65:2
Julie Cianci
April 7, 2014
Such a beautiful man and sweet soul with a heart of gold. My deepest sympathies to your whole family. May you RIP Ira love ??
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Dapson Chestney Funeral Home - Rhinebeck51 W Market St PO Box 515, Rhinebeck, NY 12572
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