Joseph "Joe" W. Kuter

Joe Kuter, 75, born in Wilkes-Barre, PA October 13, 1949, died June 18, 2025 at his home in Thornton, CO surrounded by his loving family. He was born on October 13, 1949, in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania, to Joseph & Eleanor Kuter.

While growing up he enjoyed camping and being outdoors with his family and friends as much as possible. He left the area after graduating high school and moved to Chicago for college.

While in Chicago, Joe met some of the best friends he would ever have and gained an appreciation for live music, especially Chicago blues. His love of live music was a consistent theme throughout his life, and he was always willing to see new bands.

After many adventures in Chicago, a friend encouraged him to move to Colorado for the mountains and to continue his career with Western Electric. Over the next 30 years, his roles changed as well as the company itself, which became AT&T, Lucent & then Avaya, but his expertise and dedication were steadfast and valued. His work on voicemail systems earned him a spot on a patent.

While in Colorado, Joe met his wife, Pat Isbell, and her son, Andy. Soon after, they welcomed a son, named Joey Kuter. Over the years, through thick and thin, the lake, and drinks, the Colorado extended family became more tightknit and were soon calling themselves the Griswold’s. Joe also made frequent trips to visit PA family bringing his new family with him for PA adventures. Sadly after 20 years of marriage, Pat became ill and passed away in May 2006.

After his wife passed, Joe met the second love of his life, Mary Ann Pitzner who quickly became his girlfriend. Upon her retirement, she assisted him in his home renovations where many happy hours were spent. He had previously built an entire house and done many renovations himself. The two of them also spent many enjoyable times, hiking, traveling, cooking together, and just hanging out at the lake, his house or her house in Manitou Springs. Traveling for the month of February to the Florida Keys became an annual tradition until Joe’s health began to decline. Mary Ann continued to stand by his side and provide him with as much assistance as she could until the end.

Outside of his career and family, Joe was able to do amazing things including building his primary home, multiple property rehab projects, participate in the “Ride the Rockies” bike race, acceptance into the Cherry Creek Arts Festival for his handmade clocks, lots of international travel; and of course, every new place he went, he left with friends and a good story. His legacy is one of hard work, achievement, and to most of those who knew him: “the smartest person I have ever met.” He was also about fun times with a gusto for life that only he could bring to the party. He will be missed by all who knew him well.

Joe is survived by his son Joe, daughter-in-law Tonia, four grandchildren: Adam, Paige, Joey, and Annalisa, his long-term girlfriend Mary Ann, his sisters Colette and Suzanne, and many others in the families and friends made along the way.