Stephen Buddy Chytilo

Stephen Buddy Chytilo
of Fall River, Mass.
Steve Chytilo, born in Fall River, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully at the age of 86 on October 18, 2007 in Santa Barbara, Calif. after a long struggle with Alzheimer's. Born to Andrew and Mary Chytilo and raised in New England, Steve graduated from Durfee High School in Fall River, Mass. He then attended Boston University before enlisting in the Army and serving as a Sergeant in the First Army Division (Big Red One) in Belgium and Germany during WWII. He returned to complete his BS (1947) and Masters (1949) degrees from Boston University. Steve married Claire Janson on December 26, 1951 in New Bedford, Mass. They moved to Washington, D.C., where Steve worked with the R.H. Donnelly Corporation for 38 years. He retired in 1989 in the position of Director of Human Resources. Steve worked tirelessly through his career to assist victims of prejudice and to break down institutional barriers faced by minorities. Steve was active in Democratic politics and various civil rights programs during his 48 years in Virginia. While living in Hollin Hills near Alexandria, Virginia, he was president of the community association and helped found the community swim and tennis club, where Steve was an avid tennis player. He also chaired the Industrial Development Authority of Fairfax County. Steve was devoted to his family. They spent many summers on Cape Cod, a place he especially loved. Steve and Claire retired to Santa Barbara in 1999 to be close to their son, Marc and his wife, Nancy Weiss. Throughout his life Steve enjoyed traveling with his wife. He will be remembered for his strength of character and his determination to make the world a better place. He is survived by his wife, Claire; two daughters, Jan Chytilo (Binghamton, N.Y.) and Lynne Chytilo (Albion, Mich.); a son, Marc Chytilo (Nancy Weiss) (Santa Barbara, Calif.); three grandchildren, Liza Mermelstein, Daniel Mermelstein (Binghamton, N.Y.), Sam Weiss-Chytilo (Santa Barbara, Calif.); and a sister, Peggy Whalen (Westchester, N.Y.).
Per Steve's wishes, his ashes will be buried in New Bedford, Mass. A Memorial Service will be held on at 10 a.m. on Friday, November 16, 2007, at the Unitarian Society, 1535 Santa Barbara Street. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Friendship Center of Santa Barbara, 89 Eucalyptus Lane, SB 93108; Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 100 Metropolitan Park Drive, Liverpool, N.Y. 13088; the Janson Art Scholarship at Albion College, 611 Porter Street, Albion, Mich. 49224; or the Democratic Party, 430 S. Capitol St. SE, Washington, D.C. 20003.