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John Pitzer Obituary
ITHACA - John W. Pitzer, 76, of Ithaca, NY, died peacefully at home June 17th after a lengthy illness.
He was a longtime Ithaca resident having moved to the area in 1960 to accept a position with Ithaca Gun Company as a sales representative. John later became Vice President of Sales and Marketing for the company.
He was an avid outdoorsman and had a deep appreciation for the opportunities to fish along the beautiful streams, rivers and lakes of the region. He loved boating on Cayuga Lake and hunting in the surrounding woodlands. John especially enjoyed the simple pleasures of family life, growing a bountiful vegetable garden, vacationing at summer cottages, coaching little league sports and attending countless athletic events to cheer on his children and grandchildren. In recent years, John was a faithful spectator at Youth Hockey, Soccer and Babe Ruth Baseball games. John was a participant at the Ithaca College Center for Life Skills. He enjoyed working with the staff and students of this remarkable program that is dedicated to stroke rehabilitation. John will be fondly remembered by his family and friends for his warm smile and gentle nature.
John was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, the son of Arietta (Jones) and Harland Pitzer. He was a high school athletic star at Zionsville High School and a graduate of Wabash College. On June 1, 1951, John married his high school sweetheart.
He was predeceased by his loving wife of 57 years, Betty Rose Pitzer, who passed away April 1, 2008; and his beloved grandson, Brent Pitzer. He is survived by his children, Elizabeth and Brad Bilinski, Brian and Mary Ann Pitzer, and J. David and Melanie Pitzer; his grandchildren, Tim and Kevin Bilinski, Scott and Matthew Pitzer, Allison (Josh) Takagishi, Kyle (Heather) Pitzer, Emily Pitzer and Drew Pitzer; his great-granddaughter, Madelyn Lily Takagishi; and his loving caregiver, Alice Hogan. He is also survived by his aunt, Mary Betty Lewis; and cousin, Stephen Lewis of Houston, TX.
Private services for John will be held on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John's memory to the Ithaca College Center for Life Skills c/o Cheryl Tarbells, 320 Smiddy Hall, Ithaca, NY. Bangs Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
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Memories and Condolences
for John Pitzer
Mena Nepa
July 15, 2008
To the Pitzer family. Brian I am truly sorry for your Loss of your Mother and Father. I am so very sorry.
dennis boyd
July 6, 2008
to the entire pitzer family:
this was really sad news to me, reading what happened. but now mom and dad are together once again. that's good news. once again
my thoughts and prayers are with
you all.
Tommy Heffron
June 21, 2008
I had the pleasure of working with John Pitzer,and Ithaca Gun Company, as a Field Representative in Minnesota and Wisconsin. You always worked 'with' John and never 'for' John. You have heard the exspression in sports, 'He was a players coach", well John was a 'salespersons coach'. You always wanted to work harder, for John. He will be remembered fondly, as a much admired executive, a friend, a mentor, and a person with a passion for Ithaca Gun Company, and his family. My sincere sympathy to the family. Tommy Heffron Jr.
Patrick Conrad
June 20, 2008
To the Pitzer family; I've always held you in the highest regard and I'm deeply sorry to hear of your loss. On behalf of our family, please accept our sincerest condolences.
liz and howard
June 20, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Lynne Ennis
June 20, 2008
I worked with John at the Gun Company in the early 80's.... I always knew him to be a true gentleman. My heart goes out to his family at this time of sorrow.
Gary Lenowitz
June 19, 2008
The Pitzer Family, I remember as a youth growing up the impact Mr. Pitzer had on my life as a positive role model and effection for his family. Wishing you all the best. With great sympathy, Gary Lenowitz
Mary P. Gitlin
June 19, 2008
To the Pitzer family,
Life is a journey of labor. We labor to be born, to live, to love and to die. In our lifetime, many beautiful memories are created. Those memories are what we have and hold dear.
We send you our love and deepest sympathies.
Lisa, Mary and Aidan
Rae Harris
June 19, 2008
To Betty, Brian, Liz and the rest of the wonderful Pitzer family.........I am so sorry to hear about John's passing. Although it's been many years since I've had the pleasure to talk with him I still remember what a great and funny guy John was. I hope the fond memories of your life together soon replace your sadness of the loss you've just experienced. I love you guys............... rae
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