Richard Lutz

Richard Charles Lutz Sr. - SAVANNAH - Richard Charles Lutz Sr. 69, died after a long, courageous and heartbreaking battle with Alzheimer's, January 29, 2013 at Spanish Oaks Retreat under Hospice care with his family by his bedside. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jacob H. and Virginia S. Lutz, his brother, Gary J. Lutz, his nephew Gary J. Lutz Jr., and his beloved mother-in-law, Betty Gaffney Purdy. Richard graduated from Sacred Heart School and Benedictine Military School, class of 1963 (proud of the fact that his class was the last to graduate from the old BC campus on Bull Street.) He was also a member of the State Championship Baseball Team for Benedictine in 1961, and was a three sport athlete, signing a football scholarship to the University of Georgia under Johnny Griffith and later Vince Dooley. Richard retired in July of 2010 after 30 years of faithful service to Memorial University Medical Center. He was a member of the Savannah Quarterback Club for 37 years, and in October 2012, was awarded a Life Membership. For over 35 years, he was a member of the Coastal Empire Official's Association, and he could be seen at many football, basketball and baseball games at the elementary and high school levels. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Barbara Ann Purdy Lutz, his daughters, Maureen Lutz Morin (Kevin), Patricia Lutz Morris (Jesse), Christine Lutz Garrett (Michael), and his son, Richard Charles Lutz Jr. (Ann). He is also survived by two brothers, Jacob H. Lutz III (Carol) and Carl E. Lutz. He was loved and adored by his thirteen grandchildren, Mallory, Lindsay, Meghan, Kristin, and Andrew Morin, Joseph and Matthew Morris, Abbigail and Jacob Garrett, Kira Glasser, Kaelan, Rachael and Ashton Lutz. Also surviving are his father-in-law, A. Bernie Purdy, his brother-in-law, Toby Purdy (Irene), and his sister-in-law, Margaret Mary Flinchum, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. The family wishes to express profound gratitude to Dr. Robert Grant and Dr. Richard Bodziner for their compassionate and professional care of Richard over the years. Gratitude is also extended to the administration and staff at Spanish Oaks Retreat, especially Ms. Beverly Polite, CNA, for their love and devotion to Richard. We also wish to thank his many family members and numerous friends, too many to count, for their acts of kindness to him. Visitation will be on Thursday, January 31, 2013 from 5-7pm with a rosary service to follow at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. Mass of Christian burial will be at 2 pm Friday, February 1, 2013 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. Burial will follow at the Catholic Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be Dr. Robert Grant, Norman Heidt, Stephen Brennan, Donald Melroy, Kip Grevemberg, Rick Smith, Richard Simmons, and Walter Corish. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Benedictine Military School, 6502 Seawright Drive, 31406, St. Vincent's Academy, 207 East Liberty Street, 31401, The Social Apostolate, 502 East Liberty Street, 31401 and Spanish Oaks Retreat, 8510 Whitfield Avenue, 31406. Please sign our guest book on line at www.foxandweeks.com Savannah Morning News February 1, 2013 Please sign our Obituary Guest Book at savannahnow.com/obituaries.