BROCKPORT – John F. Kutolowski, 93, Professor Emeritus of History at the College at Brockport, passed away on March 22, 2025. Athlete, scholar, teacher, mentor, and generous colleague, John was a devoted family man and devout Christian. He was born in Lynn, MA, in the depths of the Depression to Polish immigrants Boleslaw and Sabina (Ostrowska) Kutolowski, the youngest of six. Originally a reluctant student, he found his academic calling at the University of Massachusetts which he entered on athletic merits. After two years in the Army (Korea, 1954-55), John earned his Ph.D at the University of Chicago. After four years of teaching at the University of Dayton, he began a 40-year career at SUNY Brockport where he would go on to receive the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching and cheer on his beloved Red Sox from afar.
At Brockport “Kut” met fellow historian and sports-lover Kathleen Smith, beginning their 54-year love story and marriage. They delighted in their two sons, Matthew (Emily Myers), and Mark (Lisa Hershey), along with three grandchildren (Anna, Luke, and Therese). Even as he prepared for classes late into the night and conducted research, John volunteered on village and town political campaigns and served on the parish council and social justice committees of the Newman Center. In retirement he continued to serve others, as well as deepen his love of nature and nature photography. A beloved and creative father, John made elaborate Halloween costumes, told original bedtime stories, and according to the neighborhood boys, made the best grilled cheese sandwiches on the block.
Calling hours for John were at the Fowler Funeral Home, 340 West Avenue, Brockport, on Friday, March 28, with the Mass of Christian Burial at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, 3747 Brick School House Road, Hamlin at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 29. Burial will follow at Maple Lawn Cemetery in Elba, NY. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of John to the Sabina Kutolowski Scholarship at the College of Brockport are welcome: Brockport Foundation, 350 New Campus Drive, Brockport, NY 14420.
