John Wilbur Utz

John Wilbur Utz, a beloved husband, father of three, and grandfather, departed us on Thursday, October 15, 2026, in White Plains, New York, at the age of 86. An honest man whose radiant patriotism and spirit of the wilderness influenced all who knew him, John reunites with his wife, Frances, who passed away on June 7, 2018. He is survived by his daughters Christine, Lisa (Frank) Enea, Sharon, and his grandsons Liam and Julian Enea.

John was born in The Bronx to Evelyn (née Dougherty) and Wilbur Utz, on November 19, 1939. Inspired by his musical parents, he developed a talent for the drums, with a particular ear for jazz. He served in the United States Air Force from 1960 to 1963, including during the height of the Cuban Missile Crisis. Fishing was his lifelong favorite pastime. He took pride in photography, collecting Native silver jewelry, and tinkering with electronics. For many years, John kept New York's subway cars running as an MTA electrician and member of TWU Local 100, where he joined a brotherhood of railroaders.

In lieu of flowers, John's family humbly requests donations to the Wounded Warrior Project, a nonprofit that he long supported. We are sincerely grateful to the United States Air Force for rendering funeral honors on short notice at Ferncliff Cemetery on Saturday, October 17, 2026.