Donald J. Tamutus attended St. Bonaventure University, University of Heidelberg and Rutgers University. After a tour in the U.S. Army, he joined RCA Laboratories in 1962, and is presently Manager, Process Technology. He is responsible for photo artwork generation, printed circuits boards and etched masks, electrodischarge and ultrasonic machining, electrochemical deposition, precision grinding, optical polishing, and chemical control for the Laboratories. He has worked on a number of projects including photovoltaic systems, metalized bead suppressor for TV, flat panel television, and VideoDisc. In 1981 he was awarded an RCA Laboratories Outstanding Achievement Award.
- RCA 1983 Company Biography

Sadly, Donald Tamutus has passed to be with the Lord on Thursday, March 11, 2004 at 8:10 AM. He battled with Leukemia for 16 yrs. He was a Hamilton Councilman for 16 yrs and was retired. He is survived by his wife, Hildegard of 42 years.

He was a surrogate parent along with his wife to 3 granddaughters, whose mother had been murdered 3 yrs ago.

Pray for the family members.
- anonymous

HAMILTON, NJ    03/13/2004 -- A former councilman who helped lead the township through the transition years of the 1980s and 1990s will be honored during services at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church on Wednesday after losing a long battle with leukemia.

Donald J. Tamutus, 66, was perhaps best remembered for becoming a surrogate parent to his three grandchildren: Jessica, Samantha and Melissa after their mother, Kathy, was tragically slain by her husband inside their garage nearly three years ago.

Tamutus will also be remembered for his community service in which he helped in his restoration efforts of Kuser Farm and the Abbott House, and the development of Veterans Park.

The flags at the Hamilton Township municipal building flew at half staff throughout the day yesterday in Tamutus' honor.

"I think he was someone who truly cared about the community as well as his family," Hamilton council member Eileen Thorton said of her former colleague.

"In his later years, his greatest role was being a grandfather to those three grandkids," she added.

Born in 1938 in Olean, N.Y., Tamutus moved to New Jersey years ago after his stint in the U.S. Army after World War II.

He eventually joined the Republican Party and soon was elected to township council, a position he held for more than 17 years.

In 2001, several years after he left council, Tamutus and his family suffered what was likely the most traumatic event of their lives when son-in-law Carl Reinhardt murdered daughter Kathy Tamutus inside the couple's garage.

The son-in-law was convicted last year and sentenced to life in prison.

Meanwhile, community members are hoping to surround remaining family members as a way to offer comfort and solace in such a difficult time.

Donald and his wife Hildegard had been caring for the three grandkids since the murder.

Tamutus was a member of the Hamilton Jaycees where he helped launch Hamilton Hospital. He also belonged to the New Jerusalem Christian Church.

Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. Vincent de Paul Roman Catholic Church at 555 Yardville-Allentown Road in Yardville.

A memorial service is scheduled on Tuesday from 6-9 p.m. at Saul Colonial Home on Notttingham Way in Hamilton.

Memorial contributions can be sent to The Jessica, Samantha and Melissa Trust Fund in lieu of flowers. The mailing address is the Yardville National Bank, 4631 Nottingham Way, Hamilton Square, NJ 08690.
- March 13, 2004 News Story from The Trentonian

An amazing father, a wonderful leader and a truly inspirational soul. I don't think there are any words that could describe the magnitude of heartache that has been left behind with his passing. There will never be another like him. Many people cannot write about their parents in such a way because it just isn't true. But my papa, he went above and beyond the call of fatherhood, with the greatest of love. I've seen my father up, and I've seen him down. And NEVER has there been a time when his light and beauty didn't just keep shining through. He managed to support all of us and be our strength when my sister Kathy died and he hung in there, in such poor health, until after the trial to see us all through. My mother thinks that was one of the most selfless things a person could do. I happen to agree. He'd do more for others than he'd ever do for himself. And did it all... without regrets. I'll miss him immensely. I love you papa! Forever and ever! Your baby daughter, Doreen.

One further comment: As amazing as my father was, my mother was absolutely his equal. My father became overwhelmed by her love and joy and would cry quite often in his later years when he would speak of how beautiful of a person she was toward him. She took care of him until his very last breath and weeped with sorrow when he passed. The greatest gift my mother could have ever given me was to teach me through the examples she set and how to love unconditionally. They are incredible parents and their love shines through all of their children and all 12 grandchildren.
- Doreen Nacht

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