March 4, 2020, Pittsfield, Massachusetts
Major: Biology
Williams relatives
- Mrs. Ellen Cutler H’74 (Surviving Spouse/Partner)
Date reported: March 6, 2020
March 4, 2020, Pittsfield, Massachusetts
Major: Biology
Williams relatives
Date reported: March 6, 2020
Jerry Kapp, thanks for sharing with us ..
Josh Cutler, Alan’s son, provided us with this moving tribute:
My name is Josh Cutler, and I am the son of Dr. Alan Cutler, a graduate of the class of 1974. Dad passed away on Wednesday, March 4th at the age of 67 following a decade-long battle with kidney disease. Dad was a proud alum of Williams who then went on to Boston University Dental School and operated a busy dental practice in Pittsfield, MA for over 30 years.
Dad was very happy and grateful to be able to attend an event for the Class of 74’s reunion last June along with fellow alum Rick Weinberg, who also lives in Pittsfield.
If you have any questions, please feel free to be in touch at your convenience. There have been a couple of donations to Williams in dad’s memory – I have requested that they be directed towards the biology department, which was his course of study.
All the best, Josh Cutler
Dick Weinberg wrote to us: Our classmate Alan Cutler passed away this past week. I’m not sure if you knew Alan, but he was a genuinely good guy. Intensely proud of Williams– he often referred to it as the best college in the U.S.– he had a successful dental practice here in his native Pittsfield until he was forced to retire about 9 years ago due to severe kidney and other health problems. Alan is survived by his lovely wife Ellen, three amazing children, Josh, Zack and Julie, as well as Josh and wife Jessica’s newborn son James.
Grace Paine Terzian wrote in: A beautifully expressed memorial, Rich. You gave Alan a fine send off.
Bill Holman wrote in: Thank you for updating us although it is a sad occasion. I remember Alan as a really nice classmate. I am sure that he was a major contributor to his community and will be missed, especially by his family.
I also looked at our yearbook. So much time has passed!
Marty Singer wrote: What sad news. Truly. I guess it must have been a heroic effort he made to come to the reunion.
I really liked Alan. He was unique! and basically a very nice guy. A beautifully written obit. And I really appreciate how you were able to send his entry in the yearbook.
Rick Vancisin wrote: Thanks for filling us in on these sad events. I know it can’t be easy. So sorry to hear this news for Alan’s family and, again, like Eric, glad they had an opportunity to see some of their old Williams friends one last time this past summer.
Rich Levy reply to C. Dropkin: Thanks, I recall him as good and interesting guy. I think he was into music and trivia, too. From the obit, he apparently made quite a name for himself in Pittsfield as a dentist, and took a big role in his synagogue.
Charles Dropkin wrote to us: I was glad to have seen Alan at the last reunion. I knew him well during our college years. I am saddened by his passing…
Robert Fogarty wrote in: So sad.
’74 Class President Rich Levy announced on March 10, 2020:
There is yet more sad news to report in this first quarter of the year. Our classmate Alan Cutler died last week in his lifelong hometown of Pittsfield, Mass., after a long illness. Alan’s obituary may be read here: https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/name/alan-cutler-obituary?pid=195608118&affiliateid=1231
His entry in the 1974 Gul is linked here: https://unbound.williams.edu/williamsarchives/islandora/object/gulielmensian%3A19418?page=113#page/1/mode/1up
Those of us who attended the 45th Reunion last June will appreciate that Alan joined us to share some time connecting with classmates.
As we grow grayer, it is ever more important to cement the connections with that 50 years ago this September.
Please join me in remembering Alan, and in giving thanks for the gift of life and the sacred gift of memory.