Merlin Lester Utter

merlin utter

April 21, 1946 ~ January 14, 2025

Born in: Oneonta, New York
Resided in: Whispering Pines , North Carolina

Dr. Merlin Lester “Buzz” Utter, 78, of Whispering Pines, North Carolina, passed away on Tuesday, January 14, 2025.

Merlin was born April 21, 1946, to the late Herman and Eleanor (Monington) Utter. For nearly 40 years, he was employed as a statistician in the pharmaceutical industry.  Affectionately known as Buzz, his strong analytical skills transferred to his everyday life.  Buzz was a big proponent of knowledge, planning, and education, whether encouraging his kids towards life-long learning or photocopying Consumer Reports articles in the library to find the best, most reliable appliance. He was a long-time runner and 5k participant, an avid New York Yankees fan, and passionate about sports and financial radio. Family was important to Buzz, who was an attentive father, valued time with his siblings, and always remembered to take pictures to record the memories. Any time one of his three beloved children had a sporting event (or any life event), you could count on Buzz being there in support. He was an amazing husband, cherished father, and beloved grandfather.

Left to cherish Buzz’s memory is his wife of 55 years, Diane Utter, of Whispering Pines; daughter, Sharon Meacham, and her husband JB, of Whispering Pines; two sons, Dr. Brian Utter, and his wife Dr. Mai-Linh Hong, of Merced, California, and Stephen Utter, of Franklin, North Carolina; grandson, Milo Utter; sister, Marilyn Gauthier, and her husband Bob, of Georgetown, Massachusetts; and brother Jim Utter, and his wife Jan, of Stormville, New York.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research at give.michaeljfox.org.

The care of Dr. Utter has been entrusted to Fry and Prickett Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be left at pinesfunerals.com

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  1. Real sad news. Mary Ellen and I send heartfelt condolences to Diane and family.
    Buzz was a fellow OHS and RPI graduate, as well as cross-country teammate; Buzz was always first. We’ll miss him at Oneonta High reunions.
    Rest in Peace , Buzz.
    Frank and Mary Ellen Antonucci

  2. Diane & Family,

    I am so sorry for your loss. May Buzz Rest in Peace.
    Peace be with you.

    In Sympathy,
    Mary (Starkweather) Christman
    A cousin from Oneonta, NY

  3. I’m so sorry Diane this is the first I’ve heard of your loss. Buzz was a good person. He’ll be missed. My condolences to you and your family. I’m cousin JOE Monington.

    • Diane ,Sue and I are so sorry to hear about Buzz’s passing.I will always remember both of you and all the fun we had over the years.May Buzz’s soul rest in peace.I will always remember How much he loved you.

  4. Dear Diane & Family, We were so sad to hear of Buzz’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.

  5. So very sorry for your loss. Buzz was a classmate at OHS. Thought and prayers to your family. Rest in peace, Buzz.🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

    • The Utter family,
      I was sorry to hear this sad news. I just saw the notice in the local Community Life paper and felt compelled to write to you. I can picture all your fourth grade faces and even remember where you sat in our classroom! I send condolences from myself and on behalf of your Hillsdale and Meadowbrook School Family.

      With sincere sympathy, June Dano

  6. I’ve known Buzz and his sister since kindergarten in Oneonta, NY. He was always a very nice person. We got to know each other as adults at all of our class reunions….such a nice man who adored his wife.
    He will be missed by all of us in the class of 1964.

  7. Diane and family, we are so sorry to hear of Buzz’s death. You all are part of our history. I just put away the ceramic Christmas tree you made me years ago, and soon I will take out the ceramic Easter basket with the five ceramic eggs, one for each of my children. We hope your many memories will help you through this time of grief. Many prayers for the repose of Buzz’s soul and for all of you.
    Mary and Larry Elbert


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