John Lutz, Sarasota Memorial Hospital Board candidate, dies

John Lutz, a Democratic candidate for the Sarasota Memorial Hospital Board, died July 24 after a three-month battle with leukemia, the family announced.

An obituary published in the Albany (New York) Times Union said Lutz, 64, died of acute myeloid leukemia with his family by his side.

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The Sarasota County Democratic Party chair Daniel Kuether announced Lutz’s death Sunday morning by email. 

“It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of John Lutz, a dedicated and passionate advocate for healthcare,” the email said.

“John carried over 40 years of experience in hospitals, health systems, and healthcare consulting, striving to enhance access to medical services and ensure fiscal responsibility. … Our thoughts and condolences are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time."

Lutz was running for the Hospital Board’s at-large Seat 2, against Republicans Kevin Cooper and Stephen Guffanti, and write-in candidate Donna Hurlock.

Kuether could not speak on if or when the party will replace Lutz on the ballot, saying the party was waiting for guidance from the Supervisor of Elections office.

Lutz earned his bachelor’s degree in chemistry at SUNY Oneonta in 1980 and earned a master’s degree in public health at Yale Business School in 1984. He joined Albany Associates in Cardiology in 1989, becoming CEO. In 1997, he was CEO of Prime Care Physicians until his transition to consulting on the national level in 2006.

He later retired and moved to a golf community in Englewood with his wife, Holly Nelson Lutz.

He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Holly Nelson Lutz, and four daughters, Meredith Lutz Olsen (Aaron), Brittany Lutz Harris (Colin), Aislinne Lutz and Elleanor Lutz, a brother Samuel; several nephews and one grandchild.

The family is planning a memorial gathering in celebration of John’s life Oct. 5-6 in Albany, New York.