10/30/2025
Clayton Howard Stutzman
Clayton Howard Stutzman, 80, of Hornell, New York, passed away peacefully early in the
morning on October 28, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones after a long and courageous
battle with Parkinson’s disease.
Born in Greece, New York, Clayt attended Greece Olympia High School, where his mother
was the school’s business teacher. During his high school years, he was one of five original
founders of the first high school fraternity, DWD. After graduation, he attended Alfred State
College, where he pledged Theta Gamma Theta—becoming affectionately known to many of his fraternity brothers as “Stutz” and “Keg.” There, he formed lifelong friendships that he
treasured for decades. He later continued his studies at both the University of Georgia and
Utah State University, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree. During this time, Clayt traveled extensively for several years throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, and several other countries, embracing new experiences and cultures before returning home to Hornell, New York, where his parents had settled, to help operate the family’s tree farm.
In August of 1976, Clayt married the love of his life, Susan, surrounded by more than 300 family members and friends who came to celebrate their special day. Together, they built a beautiful life filled with laughter, adventure, and three beautiful daughters who were the light of his life. They became active members of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, where they gained a cherished church family and raised their daughters in faith. Later, the family went on to attend Union University Church in Alfred, New York, continuing the tradition of community and spiritual connection that meant so much to Clayt.
For over 40 years, Clayt proudly ran Yule Tree Farms alongside his family, where his daily
commute was a quick three-minute four-wheeler ride to his office. He loved the
outdoors—whether hunting, skiing, or simply enjoying time with friends and family on “the
Hill.” He served his community on the Alfred-Almond Board of Education from 1992–2007,
including terms as Vice President (1995–1996) and President (1996–1999). One of his
proudest moments was handing each of his three daughters their high school diplomas.
Clayt was known for his generous and giving spirit. Each Christmas, he made donations to
organizations that held special meaning for each of his daughters, giving in their names as a reflection of his love, gratitude, and thoughtfulness.
Clayt’s love of life was infectious. He enjoyed skiing, playing pickleball, and sharing endless
games of pitch with family and friends. Summers were spent at Chautauqua Institution, where for over 20 years he and his family delighted in its rich offerings of religion, music, education, theatre, and boating. Winters brought him to St. Augustine, Florida, where he found joy walking the beach, playing pickleball, and spending time with friends.
He had a deep love for animals—especially his loyal dogs, including his beloved Sir
Lance-a-Lot. In the mid-1980s, he and a good friend purchased two female buffalo calves and a bull from the Rochester Zoo and raised a herd of buffalo for more than a decade. His heart, however, always belonged to the American West, where he spent years exploring national parks, ghost towns, and mountain ranges—making friends everywhere he went.
Clayt will be remembered for his humor, his warmth, his storytelling, and his boundless love for family and friends. He truly lived life to the fullest and was always the life of the party. In his final years, he was lovingly cared for at Elderwood of Hornell, where the staff became like family.
Clayt was preceded in death by his parents, Marie M. Stutzman and Leslie R. Stutzman. He is survived by his devoted wife of 49 years, Susan Stutzman; his daughters Kelly (Jim) Grim,
Laura (Tom) Dunning, and Carrie (Tim) Koehler; and his cherished grandchildren Clayton,
Natalie, Ryan, Kevin, Emma, Mason, and Ayden. He is also survived by his sister Suzanne
Evans, brother Daniel (Ann) Stutzman, and several special nieces and nephews.
One of Clayt’s favorite sayings was, “Those were the days, my friend—we thought they’d
never end.” His memory will live on in the hearts of all who loved him.
A private service will take place on FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2025, followed by a Celebration of Life at the Hornell American Legion, 72 Seneca St. on SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2025, from 3:00–6:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Union University Church, 5 Church St., Alfred, NY 14802 in Clayt’s memory.
The Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home, 285 Main St., Hornell is honored to assist Clayt’s family with the arrangements,
Online condolences or remembrances of Clayt are welcome below or at bishopdesanto.com
