Mark Saul Kutsher, hotel owner and proprietor of the legendary Kutsher’s Country Club, passed away peacefully on July 11 in Lake Worth Beach, Florida, surrounded by his close family. Having grown up and into the family business, Mark’s time at the hotel spanned his childhood in the 1950s through decades and the resort’s continuing evolution until its sale in 2013 and his move to Florida.

The devoted son of the late Milton and Helen Kutsher, Mark was born on October 21, 1947, in Monticello, New York.  He graduated Monticello High School, class of ‘65, and the University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School of Business, class of ‘69. After a little over one year studying law at New York Law School purely for its business background, he was drawn back to the excitement of the hotel business during the construction of Kutsher’s most deluxe building to that date; in 1970, he returned to Monticello and went to work with his dad.

Working in all areas of the hotel business, Mark was known as being a kind and compassionate employer. He always listened and was ready to help out any employee who needed assistance; the hotel was a family, not just a business to him. He also made sure to give back to the local Sullivan County community through various organizations over the years. A member of Kiwanis he enjoyed participating in their many community service projects including attending and providing entertainment for the annual Christmas party at the Sullivan County Infirmary. The WSUL Heart-a-thon held at Kutsher’s every February was also an undertaking very special to Mark.

The 400 room Kutsher’s Country Club outlasted all its Borscht Belt competitors, shutting its doors after an epic 110-year run, due in part to a willingness to take risk and evolve. Dreaming big was a trait that Mark inherited from his dad, Milton. Together, they built things and risked it all, knowing that if they were right, people would come. These projects included the Tower Building, an indoor ice rink, an indoor pool, a theater that held 1,000, a ski hill, racquetball courts, and the Marquis Building. They also owned and operated Kutsher’s Camp Anawana, Kutsher’s Sports Academy, several bungalow colonies, Hidden Ridge condominiums and had interests in other local businesses.

A strong connection to the sports and entertainment worlds was another defining characteristic of Kutsher’s Country Club and probably Mark’s favorite part of the business. He was an athlete, an avid golfer, tennis player and skier, and die-hard sports fan who considered it a privilege to run the Maurice Stokes Benefit Basketball Game, host the Virginia Slims tennis classic one year, and meet countless professional athletes, including Wilt Chamberlain, who became a life-long friend.

Mark also loved music and the world of entertainment. In charge of booking acts for the Stardust Nightclub shows, he particularly enjoyed bringing new talent that he thought had potential to the Catskills at the start of their careers. Some of these noteworthy acts included singer Ben Vereen, the Four Tops, and comedians such as Jerry Seinfeld, Paul Rieser, and Howie Mandel.

Mark is survived by his wife of 55 years, Carla “Spanky” Kutsher, of Lake Worth Beach, Florida, his children Zach Kutsher and Jennifer Kutsher Rosen, his grandchildren, Charlie Kutsher, Eva Rosen and Brett Rosen as well as his two sisters, Mady Prowler and Karen Wilson. 

A service for Mark was held in Palm Beach, Florida, on July 13. Donations in his name can be made to the ADL, a cause close to Mark’s heart.