Donald "Jack" Burton Utter

Donald “Jack” Burton Utter

Proud Vietnam Combat Veteran -

Donald “Jack” Burton Utter, age 69, of York Haven, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, October 25, 2020, after a battle with lung cancer.  Jack was born on Friday, May 11, 1951, in Riverdale, MD to the late Burton Edward Utter and Katherine Louise (Smith) Utter.

Jack’s survivors include his wife of 24 years, Colleen Kaye Weaver; his daughter, Carmen Danielle Ishler and husband Steve of Manheim; his three grandchildren: Ruby, Hagen, Stevie, Chris; his sister, Donna Hallock and husband Jack of Palestine, TX; his two brothers-in-law, Doug Weaver and wife Kathy of York Springs, Jeff Weaver and wife Dianna of Mechanicsburg; his two nieces: Diane Young and husband Chris of Ellicot City, MD, Trisha Weaver; his nephew, Jack Hallock, III and wife Jenni of Palestine, TX; many relatives in the Finger Lakes region of NY; numerous cherished friends; and his beloved Doberman Pinscher, Cinder.

Jack grew up in Shadyside, MD and graduated from Southern High School in Harwood, MD as a part of the class of 1970.  He was a proud Vietnam combat veteran who served in the United States Army.  Jack was a Helicopter (Huey) Doorgunner where the vast majority of his flight time was in Direct Support of Combat Operations.  He always said that one of his proudest moments involved shuttling an infantry unit back to the rear on Christmas morning in 1971.  At the top of his list was how privileged he felt to have been an Air Asset (Inserting/Extracting Recon Teams) for MACV-SOG (Military Assistance Command, Vietnam, Studies and Observations Group) out of CCN (Command & Control North) at the latter part of his tour; Jack loved those guys.  He retired from the United States Postal Service in Harrisburg, after 33 years of service working as a truck driver.  Jack was a life member of the VFW, NRA, and DAV.  He and Colleen were avid competitive handgunners, shooting at both IDPA and Falling Steel Matches.  Jack would always use his favorite handgun platform, the 1911 in .45 ACP.  Some of the many activities he enjoyed with his wife included adopting many Dobermans over more than twenty years, beekeeping, playing USTA tennis, off-roading in his XJ, biking the numerous rail trails throughout PA, and the many trips they spent together traveling out west visiting the Grand Tetons, Grand Canyon, Sedona, and so many more.  When Jack really thought about it, the two most enjoyed their time together just sitting out back by the Koi pond, watching the deer, fox, and all the other critters wander through their wooded property.

Jacks family will be remembering his life privately.  Interment in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery in Annville will be at the family’s convenience.  Cremation was private.

Contributions in celebration of Jack’s life can be made to Special Operations Warrior Foundation, P.O. Box 89367, Tampa, FL 33689, www.specialops.org/donate.

Jack’s family has entrusted his care to Buhrig Funeral Home & Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Jack’s full obituary, view his memorial video and picture, offer condolences and sympathy, share stories and memories, upload photographs and videos, light a candle and sign his official guest book by visiting Buhrig.com