Obituary of Mike Utley

Mike Utley, “The Cran Man”, of Carver passed away suddenly at the home he proudly built and lived in for 46 years on Wednesday, March 20, 2024. Born in St. Johnsbury, Vermont on June 27, 1952, to the late Glendon and Gloria Utley, Mike moved to Carver as a child and attended Carver/Plymouth schools. Mike proudly served his great country that he loved so dearly in the Military Police Unit of the Army National Guard. In the early eighties, Mike left a successful career as a sawyer foreman to join his late brother-in-law Bob Alberghini at his small agricultural input distribution warehouse. Mike grew and expanded that business exponentially over the years, to the point that the company was acquired in 2012 by Nutrien Ag Solutions. The Carver Branch of Nutrien Ag flourished under Mike’s leadership, resulting in a new facility, consecutive years in The President’s Club, and most recently national recognition in a Spotlight piece shared throughout the company’s internal and external channels.

Mike is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 48 years Sandy Utley; his two sons whom he was immensely proud of, Jeff Utley and Jeremy Utley; his two daughters in law whom he treated as if they were his own children, Jen and Jaime; and the two twinkles in his eye…his beloved granddaughters Avery and Jordyn, who bestowed upon him his most favorite title of “Gumpy”, all of Carver. Additional survivors include his sister, Carmen Alberghini of Carver, his brother, Kenrick Utley of East St. Johnsbury, Vermont, several nephews, and extended family and friends. Mike is also survived by a vast network of longstanding customers and colleagues in the cranberry industry, whose respect and fellowship meant the world to him.

Mike’s passions in life included his treasured antiquing hunts with Sandy, traveling throughout New England and the Caribbean, and all forms of racing. He loved playing games with his granddaughters, especially old favorites Cribbage and Pit. He had recently returned from an extended vacation with Sandy to their favorite island of St. Croix, where they shared countless good times with their treasured group of close traveling friends. Much to Mike’s delight, in 2022 Jeremy joined a local racing team, so Mike’s latest and favorite hobby was serving as Pit Crew Chief alongside Jeff as head mechanic with Jeremy in the racing seat. It was a dream come true for Mike to share those experiences and memories with his boys.

It is fitting that the last Sunday of Mike’s life was spent at his son’s kitchen table surrounded by family and friends, playing games and sharing good food and endless laughter.

Mike’s family would like to acknowledge and thank the wonderful Carver EMT and Police Departments for their heroic efforts and extraordinary kindness and compassion.

Visiting hours will be on Wednesday, March 27th from 4pm to 7pm at Shepherd’s funeral home in Carver. The funeral and burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Mike’s memory to Tunnel to Towers in recognition of the deep respect and appreciation he had for those who serve and protect our beautiful country.