William G. Mutimer

Bill (William)

Mutimer passed away on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, at his home in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Bill was born on August

28, 1963, in Rockford, Illinois. He spent most of his childhood in Dunwoody, Georgia, where he graduated from Dunwoody High School. His theatrical career began when he was 7 years old when he was cast as Louis in The King and I, and it flourished for the next 53 years. Bill attended the University of Cincinnati, Conservatory of Music receiving a Bachelors of Fine Arts in 1989 and a Masters of Fine Arts with Directing and Arts Administration in 1995. He worked in theater in New York and on National tours, including performing his favorite role of Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof. In New York, his path led him to what would become his ultimate calling, teaching. His first position was as an associate theater professor at Columbia University. Subsequently, Bill served as the co-owner and artistic director of Center for the Arts on Main in Quakertown, Pennsylvania for numerous years, where his productions had a tremendous impact on the community. In addition to managing, directing, and performing in community theater for his entire career, he gave back to the community through decades of involvement in local children's, high school and college theater productions. Bill was selected as the original director for the Happy Elf, the first live production of the musical, based upon Harry Connick's song of the same name. In 2010, Bill accepted a position as Professor of Communication and Theater at Northampton Community College (NCC) in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. In 2017, Bill launched the first full summer theater season, which became an annual community highlight, bringing together both professional and community theater members. He also served as an adjunct professor at Muhlenberg College and directed shows at Cedar Crest College and Northwestern Lehigh High School. Bill's most recent productions were Blood Brothers (NCC), A Tale of Five Betties (NCC), The Great American Trailer Park Musical (Cedar Crest College), and Mamma Mia! (Northwestern Lehigh HS). Alyson Krawchuck, NCC's assistant dean in the School for Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences, said, “Bill was a towering figure in our theater community whose dedication transformed students into stars and stages into realms of magic”. Friends described him as love, light, and joy, who brought out the best in everyone. Bill was also known to be a fantastic chef, carrying on many generational family recipes such as homemade pasta, raviolis and Italian cookies passed down from his Sicilian ancestors. Bill is preceded in death by his parents, John and Jean Mutimer, as well as his brother Michael Mutimer. He is survived by his brother Jim Mutimer, sister-in-law, Jill Mutimer, nieces Grace and Kate Mutimer, aunts Jean Bissell and Annette Nieman, as well as many cousins, friends and colleagues who treasured his friendship. There will be a small graveside service at Arlington Memorial Park in Dunwoody, Georgia, on April 13 at 10:00 AM, and a community-wide Celebration of Life to be held at the Lipkin Theater on the campus of NCC on Thursday May, 9, at 7:30 PM. All are welcome and encouraged to attend. In the spirit of Bill's passion for the arts, memorial contributions can be made to the NCC Summer Theatre program c/o Northampton Community College Foundation, 3835 Green Pond Road, Bethlehem, PA 18020, or at www.northampton. edu/online-giving/