Kenneth C. “Kenn” Cutler, Commander, U.S. Coast Guard (ret.), age 79 of Rochester, MA, passed away February 15, 2019 at Tobey Hospital, Wareham, MA, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born on May 15, 1939 in Quincy, MA to Charles and Dorothy (Knapp) Cutler. Raised in Abington, MA, he graduated from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, New London, CT in 1960. On September 7, 1963, he married Maryann Haugg of New York City.
After receiving his commission as an officer in the U.S. Coast Guard, he served on USCGC ESCANABA (WHEC-64), on USCGC VIGILANT (WMEC-617) as plank owner and Operations Officer, and on USCGC VALIANT (WMEC-621) as plank owner and Executive Officer. He was also the Commanding Officer of the U.S. Coast Guard LORAN Station in Greenland, District One (Southern) Director of Auxiliary, and an instructor at the National Search and Rescue School on Governor’s Island, NY. His personal awards included the Air Force Commendation Medal and the Coast Guard Commendation Medal. He attained the rank of Commander and retired in 1980 after serving more than 20 years.
Following retirement, he returned with his family to the house he purchased in Rochester, at the beginning of his Coast Guard career. He purchased a small pallet repair business in Rockland, MA and volunteered many years with the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. He was a member of St. Rose of Lima parish in Rochester.
Kenn is survived by his wife of 55 years, Maryann; their children Lisa Gray, Charles Cutler, Michael Cutler and his wife Deborah, and Casey Cutler and his wife Wioleta; grandchildren Evan Gray, and Sage, Simon, and Amelia Cutler, all of whom brought great joy to his life; brother Robert S. Cutler, and sister-in-law Rosemary Cutler; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends. He is predeceased by sister Trudy Kelley and brothers Donald and Lawrence Cutler.
His visitation will be held from 4-7 pm Wednesday, February 20 at Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 50 County Road (Route 6), Mattapoisett. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10 am Thursday, February 21 at St. Rose of Lima Church, 282 Vaughan Hill Road, Rochester. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the American Diabetes Association, the American Heart Association, or the U.S. Coast Guard Foundation. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.