In the early 1960s, Robert Tutty began to see a trend in the communities of western Monroe County. He saw the small towns growing, demanding more goods and services and the people needing an expanded means of communication and printing services. Since February 1952, the Rochester native had published the Country Shopper Pennysaver, a free distribution tabloid-size newspaper containing area events, news and advertising which he produced in the basement of his home on Westside Drive. The business later moved its operations to 142 South Union Street in Spencerport village. Business growth necessitated still more room and Mr. Tutty built his own building at 401 South Union Street, moving there in July 1962. Formal dedication ceremonies were held on Sunday, November 11, 1962 at 3 p.m. and included a special tribute to veterans to coincide with Armistice (Veterans) Day as well as a performance by a barbershop singing group. From this early newspaper organization sprang the Suburban News, renamed beginning with the issue of July 10, 1961. A front page article stated the case for the name change: “Since the beginning of this publication more than eight years ago, the area has seen many changes. Hundreds of new homes have been built and the population has shown a steady increase. Many improvements have been made. Sewers, water lines, gas lines and the like are constantly being installed to meet this growth. In short, this area is no longer the strictly rural scene which it was at one time; it has gone suburban!” The article further noted: “Wishing this publication to reflect the area and its residents, we feel then that the new name, Suburban News, is more appropriate. We will continue to bring to our readers the same format of news items, features, and advertising which we have carried in the past, in the same dedicated way.” Mr. Tutty died quietly in his sleep on December 20, 2004 at the age of 85. He had lived in Largo, Florida since 1981. He attended the University of Buffalo School of Law, and after service in the Army during WWII, graduated from Syracuse University on the GI Bill, earning a degree in business management. Printing would be his life’s passion. He learned the trade the way few people do today, though not unlike the youth of his era. His German ancestors had a long history in the printing industry and when he became of working age, he began as a printer’s devil in his uncle’s printshop. He learned the trade from the ground up, doing all the functions required including running the presses. Many believe Mr. Tutty helped pioneer what is now known as the quick print industry when in the 1960s he opened a commercial print shop in Rochester called Automated Reproductions. There he tested new technologies for Xerox and Itek corporations. These machines later were developed into products that revolutionized the printing industry and spawned a whole new era of instant printing, according to family members. Mr. Tutty sold the Suburban News to Todd W. Coward, co-owner and president, and Arthur Perry, co-owner and secretary on May 1, 1964. He continued to live on Harwood Road in Spencerport until 1972 when the family moved to Treasure Island, Florida and he started a new printing business called Rapid Printing which his daughters took over in 1985. Robert (Bob) Tutty and his wife, Doris, raised two children in Spencerport, Donna and Kathy, who now live in Largo, Florida with their families. An avid golfer, he was a member of Brooklea Country Club and of the Rochester Club. His community involvement included serving as president of the Isle of Capri Civic Association in Treasure Island, FL; member of the Masonic Lodge, Etolian Lodge #479, F&AM; Commander of the Boca Ciega Power Squadron 1979; member of the Fraternal Order of Elks; Holiday Isles and Treasure Island Tennis and Yacht Club; and a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans, Clearwater Chapter. Doris (Hewitt) Tutty, his wife of 33 years, predeceased him. Surviving are two daughters, Donna (Leroy) Haase and Kathy (KC) Jones, both of Largo, FL; four grandchildren, Julie and Chris Haase, Apollo Beach, FL; James and Katrina Jones, Largo, FL and his loyal companion, Brittany. Funeral services were held January 23, 2005 at First Unity Church, 469 45th Avenue North, St. Petersburg, Florida.
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