Eugene Gutka

EUGENE P. GUTKA, age 91; beloved husband for 36 years of the late Bonnie (nee Beach); loving father of Matt, Christopher (wife Andrea), and Juli Limoli; devoted grandfather of Nicole Limoli, Carley, and John; cherished son of the late Peter and Bernice; dearest brother of the late Bernice; dear brother-in-law, uncle, and great-uncle of many. U.S. Navy Korean Conflict Veteran.

Gene was born on April 22, 1933, in Cleveland and died peacefully on March 4, 2025, after a brief illness. He graduated from John Adams High School and went on to join the US Navy and served on the USS Yorktown. After being discharged from the Navy, Gene held a few different jobs to help pay for his college education at Kent State University where he earned a bachelor’s in fine arts and education. He started his teaching career at East High in Cleveland. During this time, he met his wife, Bonnie, and they married in June of 1967. Gene was offered a Fellowship to Carnegie Mellon University where he earned a master’s in fine arts education. Gene continued his role as an art teacher in the Cleveland municipal schools at AB Hart Junior High, until he retired in 1986. Gene and Bonnie raised their family and lived for over 53 years in Mayfield Heights. Gene will be remembered by his three children as a caring, loving father, with great wit and for making jokes, and by his three grandchildren as a fun loving "fuzzy Grandpa". They will all miss his potato pancakes and his burning burgers. He will be missed by his grand-dog, Bane, for all of the treats he would give him. Gene loved his many funny ‘four foots’ over the years. He was known for favorite hobbies of wax sculptures, painting and art. Gene was stubborn, had “his way,” and was also compassionate, full of life, and sometimes a bit of a rebel. He will be missed by the many people whose life he has impacted.

Contributions suggested in memory of Gene to a charity of your choice or just pay it forward! Private burial in All Souls Cemetery. Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Gene at THE DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME OF WILLOUGHBY HILLS, 28890 CHARDON ROAD (between Bishop Rd. and Rt. 91) WEDNESDAY 4-8 PM.