Obituary: David Wayne Gutter

Eighty‑One‑Year‑Old Gorham Resident Dies After Long Life of Community Service

Gorham, Maine – David Wayne Gutter, 81, passed away peacefully on September 12 at the Maine Medical Center after a long and active life in the region. Born in Portland on April 10, 1945, Gutter grew up in nearby Scarborough with his parents, Ruth Libby and Eugene Gutter.

A lifelong resident of Gorham, Gutter was known for his varied career and deep ties to the local community. He worked as a professional race car driver at Beech Ridge Motor Speedway and later became a beloved neighborhood meat cutter. For many years he served as a meat manager at Hannaford Brothers before opening his own shop, Dave Gutter’s Meat Market, in Windham in 1994.

In addition to his work with meats, Gutter and his wife Erlene – who survived him – trained race horses together at Scarborough Downs. The couple had celebrated 54 years of marriage when David’s life was cut short.

Gutter was also a proud father and grandfather. His son, also named David, is a Grammy‑winning musician, having earned the award in 2023 after more than 25 years in the music business. Their granddaughter, Kani, is a sophomore at Arizona State University, where she is on the dean’s list and majoring in aerospace engineering.

Friends, family, and neighbors remember Gutter as a charismatic and encouraging presence. “His smile lit up a room and his perseverance inspired those around him to be their best,” said a longtime associate.

A celebration of life will be held Friday, October 9, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at The American Legion Hall in Scarborough. The event will honor Gutter’s many contributions to the community and provide an opportunity for loved ones to share memories.