Harloe Pliny Cutler, PhD

Harloe Pliny Cutler, 95, of Akron, Ohio passed away peacefully on September 9th, 2026, in Sandusky, near his caring family. We will miss his sincere smile and genuine greeting. It is said that a calm man is the anvil that absorbs the blows without breaking or hitting back. Our loving father exemplified these qualities.

Harloe was born August 10, 1931, in Buffalo, New York, the youngest child of the late Paul C. and Frances (Boxhorn) Cutler. He graduated from Fairview High School in 1950 and went on to major in History and Political Science and earn a teaching certificate from Baldwin Wallace College. He played multiple sports in high school and college and had very fond memories of being a BW running back.

As a United States Army Sergeant assigned to The Seventh United States Army (VII Corps), stationed in Stuttgart, West Germany, from 1954 to 1956, Harloe was assigned to a headquarters-level secure communications and messaging center. During this era, he was at the epicenter of the Cold War.

Following his Army service, Harloe earned a Master of Education Degree from Kent State University in 1960 to become a Guidance Counselor, and later a Ph.D. from the University of Akron in 1977. He was a longtime resident of Akron, where he met his wife, Harriet, in 1960 when they were both teaching at Cuyahoga Falls High School. It was, “Love at first sight.” Harloe spent most of his career as a Guidance Counselor at Stow High School, leading countless young people to successful careers and higher education pathways. He also coached soccer at Stow for several years.

Most people would describe Harloe as kind, easy-going, always smiling and very generous. He was an active member of Westminster Presbyterian Church, serving as a Deacon, Bible Study leader and Sunday School teacher. Harloe and Harriet were patrons of the Akron Symphony Orchestra, Weathervane, Coach House Theatre and the Cleveland arts scene. They loved to play Scrabble, and he was an avid sports fan, coaching his son’s soccer teams and his daughter’s softball teams. They volunteered for many organizations, including the American Red Cross Blood Services and Good Neighbors. They served as Scout leaders and election workers, and in 2012 were awarded Ohio’s Public Citizen of the Year Award. They enjoyed hiking together, walking most of the Buckeye Trail, and traveled extensively throughout the U.S. and internationally.

Harloe was a cherished father of Todd (Beth) Cutler; Jenny (George) Sterns and stepfather of Ramsey Stivers and the late David (Pat) Stivers. He is also survived by four grandchildren, Tim Cutler, Emily Cutler, Alastair Sterns and Sabrina Sterns, sister-in-law Margaret (Gary) Olmon and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and stepson, he was predeceased by his beloved wife of 57 years, Harriet (Yount) Cutler in 2020, brother Paul (Shirley) Cutler, and sister Phoebe (Jim) Tucker.

A memorial service honoring Harloe’s life will be 11:00 AM, Saturday October 10, 2026, at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1250 West Exchange Street, Akron with Rev. Dr. Alan Olson officiating. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service. Inurnment will take place beside Harloe's late wife at Chestnut Hill Memorial Park, Cuyahoga Falls.

The family is deeply grateful to the staff at Providence Care Center and The Commons of Providence in Sandusky for the compassionate quality care they provided. Please consider contributing in Harloe’s memory to Good Neighbors or Alzheimer’s Research at CureAlz.org.

Services in care of the Billow Funeral Homes and Crematory, 85 N. Miller Road Akron, OH 44333.

(Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel)