AUBURN/WORCESTER-G. Henry Utter, 92 of 65 Briarwood Circle, Worcester succumbed on September 5 at Knollwood Nursing Center. He is survived by his loving spouse of 65 years, Barbara J. (Loeffler) Utter; three sons, Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Utter of Pasadena, CA, James H. Utter of Sun Lakes, AZ, Robert E. Utter of Melbourne, Australia, ten grandchildren and one great grandchild.
He was born in Worcester son of Gustaf and Cecelia (Hillsen) Utter and graduated from South High School, Becker College and Worcester Polytechnic Institute, School of Industrial Management. Mr. Utter worked for 38 years until 1975 at Crompton & Knowles Corporation. He began as a machine operator, became a Methods Engineer and transitioned into management, ultimately serving as Foundry Manager and Production Control Manager.
In 1995, Auburn town officials awarded Mr. Utter the “John E. & Ethel E. Riley Citizenship Award” for many years of public service to the town. Mr. Utter and his young family moved to Auburn in 1945 where he became an active contributing member of the community until 2001 when he and Mrs. Utter moved to Briarwood Continuing Care Community in Worcester. He was first elected to the Board of Selectmen in 1952 and served as a board member for a total of 14 years, including terms as chairman. As selectman, he initiated town action to develop the Sword Street Industrial Park and proposed the formation of a study committee to bring sewer services to Auburn. This led to a successful sewer construction project approved through the town meeting process. During his years in Auburn, Mr. Utter served his fellow citizens in many capacities. Examples are committee memberships for education, school construction, sidewalks, flood control, town finances, library service, town planning and Fourth of July. Mr. Utter continued his active role in oversight of the sewer system operations as representative to the Upper Blackstone Water Pollution Abatement District. Mr. Utter also viewed his successful work to preserve the open space at the town’s Pakachoag Golf Course to be an important achievement.
Mr. Utter was a member of Hadwen Park Congregational Church, past president of the Auburn Rotary Club, a 32nd Degree mason, Joel H. Prouty Lodge, organizer and Chairman of two charitable Viennese Balls in Auburn, a member of the Greendale Men’s Retirement Club, Worcester Polytechnic Old Timers and a former Cub Scout leader.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, September 10 at 11:00 a.m. in Hadwen Park Congregational Church, 6 Clover St, Worcester. The family suggest donations in lieu of flowers go to the Hadwen Park Congregational Church Building Fund, 6 Clover St., Worcester, MA 01603 or to Hurricane Katrina relief through the American Red Cross(www.redcross.org) or Salvation Army(www.salvationarmyusa.org). LINDQUIST LUNDIN FUNERAL HOME, 36 Butler St., Worcester is directing arrangements.