Paul R. Lutson Charitable Fund

Paul R. Lutson dedicated his life to service -- both to his country and to his fellow veterans. As a proud U.S. Army veteran who served in Korea and Germany, Paul never stopped looking out for those who served. Whether through his work as a Service Officer at the American Legion Post #24 and City Hall in Derby, or his involvement with the Catholic War Veterans, the VFW, and the Disabled Veterans of America, Paul made it his mission to help his fellow veterans.

It was this unwavering commitment and love of his community that led Paul to establish the Paul R. Lutson Charitable Fund at the Valley Community Foundation (VCF) in December 2024. His vision was clear -- create a lasting resource that would continue to support charitable causes important to him.

Sadly, Paul passed away suddenly in March of 2025, just before the publication of this year's Annual Report. Although he did not live to see his fund in action, his generosity, dedication and foresight will endure for generations.

“He was patriotic and loyal, and Paul was always the guy you could count on,” said his longtime friend, fellow Derby veterans service officer, Andy Cota. “If a vet needed help, Paul was the first to step up, no questions asked.”

Cota recalls how Paul would spend hours helping fellow veterans navigate the complex benefits system -- local, state and federal -- making sure they received the support they had earned. 

“He believed no veteran should be left behind,” Cota said. “Plus, he was relentless when it came to helping someone. If a vet needed something, anything, he found a way. A program, a fund and grant, something, to make sure that vet got what they needed.” 

“Paul wanted to make sure that his efforts to help others continued long after he was gone,” said Sharon Closius, VCF’s President and CEO. “He had such a big heart, and his fund is a perfect reflection of his generosity. Now, it will be there to help others, just like he always did.”

Through the Paul R. Lutson Charitable Fund, Paul’s legacy of service and kindness will live on, Closius said. 

“His impact on the Valley’s veteran community is immeasurable, and his commitment to his fellow veterans and community will never be forgotten,” Closius said.