GORDON LEE FITCH

Gordon Lee Fitch, 79, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather passed from this world into Jesus' arms on May 29, 2011 at his home in New Smyrna Beach in the arms of his devoted wife with his loving family at his side. He fought a courageous fifteen-year battle with cancer refusing to let it get in the way of living a meaningful life. Gordon was born in Burlington Flats, NY on June 23, 1931, the son of Donald A. and Margaret (Robertson) Fitch. He spent his childhood and attended grade school there, after which he attended Edmeston Central School where he graduated in the class of 1949. On September 3, 1950 he married his soul mate and love of his life, Alberta Ann Hickling at the home of her parents in North Edmeston. For the first eight years of their life together they operated his father's farm in Burlington Flats. In 1958 he and his family relocated to Samsula, FL where they owned and operated a dairy and poultry business. In 1978 he attended Daytona State College where he obtained his Real Estate salesman's license. For some time he was employed with Cobb Realty of New Smyrna Beach. For the last ten years before his retirement in 1994 he was employed by Wheaton Construction of Edgewater, FL. Gordon was a devoted member of the Burlington Flats Baptist Church during his residence there, and was a long time member of South Haven Christian Church, Port Orange, FL. For 15 years he was a member of the Multiple Myeloma Foundation. He was an avid fan of NASCAR and the racing pursuits of his sons, Gerald and Michael and grandson, Jeremy. He laughed easily and often. His greatest passion was his devotion to his wife, with whom he recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary; and sons and their wives, grandchildren and great-grandchildren of whom he was very proud of their many accomplishments. He will be sadly missed by his loving wife, family and the many whose lives he touched. Survivors include his loving wife, Alberta; four sons, Gerald (Donna) Fitch; Edward (Sandi) Fitch, New Smyrna Bch., FL.; Stephen (Erin) Fitch, Lakeland, FL.; and Michael (Denise) Fitch, Edgewater, FL.; seven grandchildren, Michelle (Michael) Coats, New Smyrna Bch., FL.; Jeremy (Dana) Fitch, Port Orange, FL.; Matthew and John Fitch, New Smyrna Bch., FL.; Jennifer (Dennis) Hershey, Lakeland, FL.; Amy and Justin Fitch, Edgewater, FL.: seven great- grandchildren; Olivia and Jenna Coats, New Smyrna Bch., FL.; Brittany, Brianna and Blake Hershey, Lakeland, FL. and Seth Fagan, Edgewater, FL.. Also one niece, Debra Madaras, Mars Hill, NC. He was predeceased by his parents, Donald and Margaret Fitch, one sister, Helen Madaras and her husband, Daniel Madaras. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 4 at 11 a.m. at South Haven Christian, 2430 Tomoka Farms Rd., Port Orange, FL, with the Rev. Michael Smith officiating. A fellowship lunch will follow in the reception hall. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to South Haven Christian Church, 2430 Tomoka Farms Rd., Port Orange, FL., 32128 or Halifax Health Hospice of Volusia/Flagler Co., 3800 Woodbriar Tr., Port Orange, FL, 32129 to whom we extend a special thanks for their kind care of our loved one. Condolences may be made at www.settlewilderfuneralhome.com