W Charles "Chuck" Julian Guttman

It is with deep sadness that we announce the sudden passing of W Charles (Chuck) Julian Guttman זאב בן יהודה דוד חנה מלקה Zev ben Yehuda David v Chana Malka, 76, of Ithaca, NY, on February 17, 2025.  He passed away while vacationing in Costa Rica with his beloved wife Shirley, to whom he was married for 40 years.

Chuck had spent his undergrad years at Cornell, and then settled in Ithaca, NY to practice law for the past 50 years.  He was a devoted husband, loving father, friend, respected lawyer, and community member.  His unexpected departure leaves a profound void in the hearts of his family, friends and community.

Born on January 7th, 1949, in New York City,  Chuck dedicated his life to the pursuit of justice, advocating for others with integrity, wisdom, and compassion. His career in law was marked by his unwavering commitment to fairness and his ability to guide those in need with both strength and empathy. Chuck was proud to be one of the original members in the local Collaborative Law Group and remained active until he passed. Chuck served as City Attorney from 1990 to 1995 under Mayor Ben Nichols where he shepherded the passage of one of the first U.S. city domestic partnership ordinances. He was actively involved in the local Hospice, including being on the board for over 30 years and assisting in seeking legislation allowing the first free standing residence in New York State. Chuck was a founding member of 518 Recovery Center and remained active through the years.  Chuck was the attorney for and assisted in starting the Grassroots Festival in Trumansburg NY. He believed in building the Beloved Community locally and assisted in starting the food co-op and the Ithaca Farmers Market. He was on the boards of the Drop-in Center, Science Center, and many other organizations.

Beyond his professional life, Chuck was a devoted family man who found his greatest joy in the love and laughter he shared with his wife, Shirley Ladd , and children, Ariel Gold, Carrie Lintz and Molly Rutan. He was especially was happy when surrounded by his grandchildren Elijah Gold, Isabella Gold, Rylie Lintz, Jacob Lintz, Daniel Lintz and Madison Rutan.  He is also survived by his sister and brother-in-law Nancy and Philip Newfield and their children and extended family, as well as many beloved friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents Anne (Caro) and David Guttman.

Chuck’s kindness and sense of humor touched the lives of all who knew him. Chuck was known for his generosity, love of food, and music.  He loved vacationing with Shirley, but nothing made him happier than having their friends and family at their lake house.  He was notorious for BBQing ribs as well as tapping his foot while listening to Shirley and friends playing music.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly request that donations in his honor be made to Hospicare or a charitable organization of your choice. A celebration of Chuck’s life will be held on March 29th at Perkins Funeral Home at 1pm.  There will be calling hours from 11am -1pm before the service.

Though his passing was sudden, the impact of Chuck’s  life will endure in the hearts of those who loved him and in the community he served so faithfully.