Charles Stanley Cutler, Jr., better known as Stan or Coach Cutler, 91, former longtime resident of Port Washington, died peacefully on Friday, May 16, at his residence in Longwood, Florida.
Born Feb 27, 1934, in Queens, NY to C. Stanley Cutler Sr., and Salem School second grade teacher Alma Myles Cutler - daughter of Sea Cliff mayor George Myles - Stan grew up in Port Washington. He attended Flower Hill Elementary, Main Street Junior High, and Weber High School before Schreiber was built.
Stan served in the Korean War and attended Bucknell University before earning a degree in physical education from SUNY Cortland and a masters in guidance from Hofstra. He began his teaching and coaching career in the Port schools while raising newborn twins with wife and teacher Joanna Coulapides Cutler. He ultimately earned his doctorate in education from New York University in 1972.
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Cutler’s 30-year legacy of year-round enrichment for the youth of Port Washington included, notably, running summer programs at the elementary schools, then PYA (where he also worked as executive director) and GymNats summer camps, culminating with becoming owner and director, with Joanna, of Port Summer Camp.
His coaching career included Schreiber High School J.V. and Varsity baseball (20 years) and wrestling, and boys’ soccer, girls’ basketball, softball and volleyball at Weber JHS. Known for his encouraging teaching style and unwavering belief in his students’ potential, Stan inspired generations of Port Washington youth to strive for excellence both on and off the field.
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In 1996 Cutler became a Port Washington Athletics Hall of Fame inductee.
Stan was an avid fisherman, clammer, and lobsterman who moored his boat at the Town Dock while also teaching boating safety and functioning as a U.S. Power Squadron Commander in the Little Neck Bay Power Squadron. He became president of the local Lions Club chapter and completed 305 trips for the Eye Bank delivering corneas for emergency transplant. His life exemplified dedication to service, community, and family.
In retirement Cutler played senior softball for the Long Island Senior Softball Association on the Glen Cove Vikings team and in 2001 became a LISSA Hall of Fame inductee. In Florida he joined the Flagler Senior Softball league and in 2006 was an inductee to the National Senior Softball Hall of Fame.
Known for his resilience and positive outlook, Stan approached life’s challenges with the same determination he instilled in his athletes, facing each day with optimism and purpose.
He was predeceased by his wife Joanna and brother David. His survivors include children Stanley (Tammy) and Alyssa; grandchildren Jillian (Ryan), Nicole, Robert (Briana), and Thomas and great-grandsons Matthew, Mason, Andrew, and Lucas.
A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.
