Kenneth Sterling Cutway Jr.

Kenneth S. Cutway, of Jeannette, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on June 25, 2025. He was born on July 25, 1946, in Watertown, New York. Known as “Butch” in his youth, Ken spent an idyllic childhood as a “river rat” on the St. Lawrence River in upstate New York, where his parents owned the Home Restaurant in Hammond and rental cottages on Oak Point. In high school, he played basketball, baseball, and trumpet, graduating with a class of 19 from Hammond Central School District in 1964. Ken earned a B.A. from the State University of New York at Potsdam in 1968 and an M.A. from the University of Iowa in 1974. He devoted more than 35 years to sharing his love of the visual arts with students. He began teaching at Hermon-DeKalb Central School District in New York (1968-1972) before joining the art department at Hempfield Area School District in 1976, where he eventually served as department chair until his retirement in 2004. His expertise as an educator was recognized by the Pennsylvania Art Education Association when he was named Outstanding Art Educator of the Year. “My teaching philosophy was one of being an artist-teacher. I believe that students need to see that their teachers do what they say and say what they do,” Ken told the Tribune-Review in an interview published on January 21, 2017. He was dedicated to his students—not just his “Artin’ Spartans.” He taught a popular creative problem-solving and art history class that attracted students with a wide variety of interests. He built sets for the high school theater company’s annual musicals and even coached track at Harrold Junior High School for a time. He also felt a deep sense of responsibility to mentor new teachers and was always proud of their accomplishments as their careers grew in the field of visual arts education.

One of his most enduring lessons was about the role of creativity in life.“Doing something creative with your life is rewarding. My life and teaching career have been about spreading that joy. Solving problems (creatively) truly has a physical response. Life is a creative process,” Ken shared in the same Tribune-Review article.Ken’s talents included drawing, painting, sculpture, and mixed media.“I am a tactile person, and even when I paint, it’s difficult for me not to include something tactile and three-dimensional,” he also noted in that Tribune-Review interview. A regionally noted artist, he exhibited his work in many juried shows including those at the Greensburg Art Center, Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art, and Westmoreland Museum of American Art. He was also one of the early organizers of the ever-popular Westmoreland Arts & Heritage Festival and frequently exhibited in its juried Westmoreland Art Nationals. In 2000, he was commissioned to create a sculpture honoring the Westmoreland Arts & Heritage Festival family of friends. Called La Familia, it can be found near Island Stage on the lower lake of Twin Lakes Park in Latrobe. Ken pursued a wide range of interests beyond the studio. He and his wife Lynn, of 22 years, completed 15 MS Rides, ran six marathons, skied across the country, and traveled far and wide. In rare moments of stillness, Ken could be found sipping Crown Royal on the rocks and solving crossword puzzles, sketching, reading, or studying scripture. A devoted sports fan, Ken wore black and gold with pride. He followed the Iowa Hawkeyes across the country, often being the loudest voice at Hawkeye Huddles. At home, he backed the Pittsburgh Steelers, Pirates, and Penguins with unwavering loyalty—and plenty of colorful commentary. A man of deep faith, Ken was a leader and active member of the First Christian Church of Greensburg. Over the years, he served as Deacon, Elder, Chairman of the Board, Head of Outreach, and, when called upon, delivered inspiring messages from the pulpit. Ken is survived by his wife, Lynn; his sister, Bev Nist; his daughter, Doreen Cutway; his son, Justin (Heather Bowman) Cutway; his stepdaughter, Cassidy Selway; his stepson, Brian Selway (Danielle); and his cherished grandchildren, Bree Selway, Evan and Sean Hardek, and Elizabeth and Melissa Selway. He is also remembered fondly by his church family, the Roudy Riders, many friends, and generations of former students. He is preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Helen Cutway, and son-in-law, Rich Hardek.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Ken’s name to Camp Laurelview, FCC’s youth camp, where young people are led to faith

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