Joseph Carl Luttner

Joseph Carl Luttner, "just plain Joe", was a lover of puns, rocks, dogs, gardens, and life. Joe, 73, was born in Latrobe, PA and died on April 11, 2024 here in Santa Cruz, CA. Even in his final days Joe had a twinkle in his eye and often had a smile on his face, knowing that he was loved and had family and friends gathered around him. Joe was a political activist, a passionate anti war protester, and an advocate for unions. He dabbled in Libertarianism and all forms of contrarianism. Joe kept beautiful gardens and was an avid collector (and giver) of rocks.

Joe could fix anything. He was a conscientious objector, choosing to put his mechanical gifts to work on behalf of the disabled community rather than on behalf of the US Airforce. Joe founded and ran Mobility Services, a wheelchair sales and repair shop in Santa Cruz and later in Watsonville. After the death of his dear friend Roger Hanson, Joe took over the care of Roger's traveling natural history museum. Under the name "Snakes Alive!" and later The Roger J. Hanson Memorial Museum, Joe brought reptiles into schools, teaching children and adults to respect snakes rather than fear them.

Joe loved living in the country, in Aromas, on a property filled with gardens, fruit trees, dogs, chickens, and always with friends and family coming and going. Joe is survived by his loving wife, Penney O’Reilly, and by his three children: Cayenne Claassen-Luttner of San Antonio, TX, Joanna Ferraro and Zachary Luttner, both of Santa Cruz, CA. Joe left behind four beloved grandchildren, Cyrus and Zenia Hughes, Valentino Ferraro, and Helena Luttner. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Howard "Bud" Luttner and Luella Luttner. He is survived by his sisters, Diane Catron of Santa Fe, NM and Susan Luttner of Palo Alto, CA. 

Joe will be missed for his humor, generosity and kindness.  He was and is very much loved. There will be a memorial for Joe in mid June.