John J. Kutney, 88, of Montoursville, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on April 18, 2022.
He was born in Wilkes-Barre on April 25, 1933, son of the late John T. and Anna Kutney.
John was a 1951 graduate of Coughlin High School in Wilkes-Barre where he was a football, basketball, and track star. He earned a football scholarship to North Carolina State University where he spent his freshman year of college. John transferred to Mansfield State College where he played 3 years of football, Captaining the Mountaineers in 1954-1955. He was awarded All PA Conference halfback for 2 years, All-State player and All-American. He received his degree in education.
After getting his degree, Specialist Fourth Class John Kutney completed 2 years of basic training for the G-2 Security and Intelligence section of the XXI US Army Corps at Fort Jackson, SC. Upon his release of active duty, John took his first teaching job at the Lower Paxton Junior High School near Harrisburg, PA.
John’s list of teaching and coaching is truly remarkable. John loved being around athletes and students. He enjoyed watching them grow and pushing them to become more. It was no surprise that John spent his entire life as an amazing father, coach, teacher, and friend to everyone.
John was a football coach and teacher at Lower Paxton until he became a teacher and the backfield coach at Central Dauphin High school. John taught World Cultures at Williamsport High School for 38 years. During that time, he was the assistant football coach at Williamsport High School from 1966-1969. He was the Quarterback coach at Lycoming College from 1970 – 1972. In 1973, he was named the Head Football coach at Williamsport High School, making a huge impact and turning around the Millionaire Football program. John also taught History at Roosevelt Middle school.
John made an impact at Williamsport High school even when he wasn’t coaching or teaching. Anyone that knew John, has a story to tell or a memory to share of how John touched their lives or influenced their future on or off the field. In retirement, you could find John at local sporting events talking with everyone, making everyone laugh and enjoying stories of his teaching and coaching days at Williamsport High. You would often find John taking tickets at the wrestling matches to spend time up on the hill.
Aside from teaching and coaching, John was an amazingly proud father and grandfather. He spent his life at the many sporting events watching his sons and grandchildren. This was his true love. His family. John lived for the next game. Even in his last days, he would talk to the grand kids about their games and when and where they were playing next. He loved taking them fishing and golfing. And just sitting on the deck, drinking a Manhattan with the dogs, telling stories and laughing until their bellies hurt.
John also loved spending time with his friends. Hanging out with the guys at the Legion, Republican club or The Villa. You would find John and his friends golfing, fishing, making peppers, at sporting events.
He was a Member of Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Post 104 American Legion, and the Republican Club.
He is survived by his two sons. Michael Kutney and his wife, Corina, of Montoursville; and John Martin Kutney, California; grandchildren Nolan Kutney and Nyla Kutney. He was preceded in death by his sister Rita Kutney
There will be a mass of Christian burial at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 27, 2022 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 100 Walnut Street, Montoursville, PA 17754 with Rev. Michael S. McCormick officiating. A burial will follow in Montoursville Cemetery. Friends and family will be received from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 26, 2022 at Spitler Funeral Home, 733 Broad Street, Montoursville, PA 17754.
