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Henry W. Tamutis Jr., 77, of Jamestown, N.Y., died unexpectedly at home, Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2009.

He was born April 2, 1932, in Olean, N.Y., the son of Henry W. and Carolyn B. Blackmon Tamutis King, and stepson of Hanford L. King.

Mr. Tamutis was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, serving from May 1952 through April 1956, finishing with a tour of duty in England as a chaplain service specialist. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal.

He attended St. Bonaventure, Fredonia, Buffalo, and Syracuse universities, earning a bachelor's degree in music education, with a secondary major in English, and a master's degree, with a specialty in remedial reading. He was employed as a public school teacher for 25 years, in Forestville, Newfane, Lewiston-Porter, and Hamburg Central School districts, from which he retired.

Mr. Tamutis was very involved in music, playing organ, piano, and keyboard for over 60 years. He was a member of the Fluvanna Community Church, where he served as an organist for 18 years. He accompanied many singing groups within the church, including the Joy Trio, In the Spirit, Blessed Word, and Adult Choir. He also played in many of the area nursing homes. Mr. Tamutis was a member of the Ellery Senior Citizens, and served as president from 2000 through 2008. He was a member of the local pilots' association, and enjoyed flying his small plane. He ran a photography business for many years, enjoyed reading, and was a past volunteer at the local library.

He was predeceased by his wife of 53 years, Janice Mary Ann Brown Tamutis. He is survived by two sons: Gregory (Kathleen) Tamutis of North Tonawanda, N.Y., and Michael (Susan) Tamutis of Ft Myers, Fla; two daughters: Pamela (E. Lawrence) Barter of Fredonia, N.Y., and Laurie (Paul Mason) Tamutis of Brocton, N.Y.; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Visitation will not be observed. Henry donated his body to the University of Buffalo Medical School.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009, at the Fluvanna Community Church.

Memorials may be made to Fluvanna Community Church, 3363 Fluvanna Avenue Ext., Jamestown, NY 14701.