Geoff Lutley, 61, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 4th at his home in Stafford, CT surrounded by his wife and kids.
Born on March 14th, 1961 in Staten Island, NY, Geoff was the youngest child of David and Elizabeth (Glover) Lutley Smith. He grew up in Stamford, CT with his brother Michael and sister Pam where he followed in his family’s musical footsteps, singing in the boys’ choir and developing his love for the guitar. He graduated from the University of Connecticut with a degree in Marketing Management and went on to work in the car industry for over 35 years including being the General Manager of Liberty Honda and Lia Honda. Geoff spent many years in Tolland where he raised his two children, Eric and Kara, with his former wife Ann Marie Navin. He remained happily settled in Stafford with his current wife, Karen (Kate) Lutley of 12 years.
While Geoff had many hobbies, music was his first love. Geoff played bass guitar and sang in many blues and rock bands throughout his life. From junior high on, Geoff could be found playing in bands including The Max, The Mark Nomad Band, Quick Change, Hidden Agenda, and most recently Frankie and The Know It Alls. Geoff and Kate could often be found somewhere in New England watching their favorite artists perform although some of their favorite times were simply happy hour on their front porch. In addition to music Geoff loved the outdoors. From riding the ATV or kayaking to yard work, if the weather was nice – he was outdoors. Most of all Geoff was known for his corny dad jokes, infectious smile, and love of his family and friends.
Geoff was preceded in death by his father, David, and his mother, Elizabeth. He is survived by his wife Kate, his son Eric Lutley (Alexi) of Milwaukee, WI, and his daughter Kara Reed (Chris) of Dallas, TX. He is also survived by Brother Michael Lutley (Kathy) of Grand Rapids, MI and his sister Pam Knoecklein (George) of Mansfield, CT, as well as his bonus children, Sarah Cook (Dan Perini), Eric Cook, and Christina Robinson (Donovan). He was a proud ‘Papa Geoff’ to his seven grandkids, Louisa and Julian Lutley, Vincent and Aubrey Perini, Annabelle and Dylan Cook, and Parker Robinson.
A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, June 23 from 4-7 PM at The Mill on the River in South Windsor, CT. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Geoff’s name may be made to the Glioblastoma Foundation (https://glioblastomafoundation.org/get-involved/donate).
