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Charles L. Gittens
Charles L. Gittens
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Charles Gittens Obituary
The McGuire Funeral Home in Washington confirmed that Gittens died on July 27. A spokesman for the agency confirmed that Gittens was the first black agent but said no further details would be immediately available.
According to an obituary in the Herald-Sun of Durham, N.C., Gittens joined the presidential protection outfit in 1956 in the Charlotte, N.C. office. He retired in 1979.
Danny Spriggs, vice president of global security for The Associated Press and former agent, calls Gittens "just an outstanding guy." He says Gittens mentored young African-Americans like him who were coming up through the ranks.
Copyright © 2011 The Associated Press
125 Entries
May 24, 2014
He was a great man and a true pioneer.
I remember my dad John Gittens speaking of him and my aunt Enid Foreman Gittens how proud she was to say we have a cousin who guarded the president. I wish I could have met him.
Greg Gittens
Warren Lorece Veney
October 31, 2011
My my condolences to the Gittens Family,
I was so moved in the lost of your Father one Mr. Charles Gittens.
Although I have only known him for the last 6 years.Mr Gitens was very impressive direct and honest gentleman and one of major proportions.He will be sorely missed in the Tantallon community of FortWashington, Maryland.
My prayers go out for you and the complete Gittens family lost your father. Mr Gittens was one who was becoming and devoted friend.I will surely miss him in so many ways his knowledge experience educational level is so overwhelming in so many ways.
Charles Gittens at OCS training
Maurice Butler
October 26, 2011
How you can show support
President Eisenhower's protection team
Maurice Butler
October 26, 2011
Agent Gittens being sworn in.
Maurice Butler
October 26, 2011
Charles Gittens and 1st wife Ruthe Hamme Gittens
Maurice Butler
October 26, 2011
Special Agent in Charge Charles Gittens meets William Richard Tolbert Jr. (President of Liberia) and Shirley Temple Black
Maurice Butler
October 26, 2011
Charles Gittens in the 289th Army Band in Yokohama, Japan
Maurice Butler
October 26, 2011
Maurice Butler
October 26, 2011
My condolences go out to Sharon, the Gittens family and his extended family in Cambridge and Oxford. I only hope that I can bring honor to his name and memory by writing and publishing his story. As a historian and friend I was shocked to find very little written about him and his accomplishments, but that is about to change
Ken Lewis
September 13, 2011
Sharon, I am extremely sorry about your father's passing. I grew up with Charlie and attended the Morse School and Cambridge Latin School with him. He and I were chosen by a high school accounting teacher to work for Universal Chemists of Boston in the 1940's where she was a principal. Over the years I lost contact with him but will never forget our friendship. In thoses days no one even knew there was a color difference and it just was not there with us. I met some members of the Gittens family at a political event in Cambridge MA. and have since lost that contact. I will endevor to find some of Charlie's relative,s in the immediate future. Peace be with you. Ken Lewis[Cambridge/Lexington, MA.] 781 861 9248
Ken Lewis
September 13, 2011
Sharon, I am extremely sorry about your father's passing. I grew up with Charlie and attended the Morse School and Cambridge Latin School with him. He and I were chosen by a high school accounting teacher to work for Universal Chemists of Boston in the 1940's where she was a principal. Over the years I lost contact with him but will never forget our friendship. In those days no one even knew there was a color difference and it just was not there with us. I met some members of the Gittens family at a political event in Cambridge MA. and have since lost that contact. I will endevor to find some of Charlie's relative,s in the immediate future. Peace be with you. Ken Lewis[Cambridge/Lexington,MA> 781 851 9248
Chloe Haynes
August 30, 2011
I remember Mr.Gittens proudly,I trained under him and he was glad to have met me since I am a bajan like he was through parentage, he is also related to my cousin and her children by marriage Yvonne Gittens of Cambridge, Mass.
Stephanie M. Adams
August 14, 2011
In sympathy and celebration of a family member from Cambridge by ways of Barbados, I was honored to hear such admiration spoken about cousin Charlie by my grandparents, father and uncles, Mascoll family and Mosley family,
cousin Charlie "may the work you've done, speak for you" Rest in peace, we are proud family.
Pamela Mascoll-Hall
August 14, 2011
Condolences to the Gittens Family. I remember many days when my grandmother Edna Mascoll, and Aunt Etta Moseley would speak about Cousin Charlie, and his important job in the United States Secret Service. They always had such pride and admiration for him. I am truly grateful to have know about such a wonderful, man who paved the way for many and to also know that he is a relative. May God Bless your family, and may Cousin Charlie Gittens, rest in peace.
Josephine Quinones
August 14, 2011
Sharon,
My deepest sympathy to you and your entire family on the passing of your father. I will deeply miss your dad's friendship and our periodic telephone conversations. I trust that your dad is now in heaven with his best friend, my husband, Enid.
August 14, 2011
He paved the way for other blacks. God bless his soul.
Susan Quinones
August 14, 2011
Sharon,
Our family is blessed to have known your dad. He was my father's best friend, and I remember lots of adventures and laughs that they shared in Puerto Rico. I will always remember his caring nature, love of life and his infectious smile.
Charl Jones
August 13, 2011
Sharon,
You gave your Dad a GREAT HOMECOMING I know he is proud...what struck me the most was that every story told i had heard from him....I guess I too was his FRIEND because he entrusted these moments with me in the 15 years of knowing him and YES he was an inspiration and STILL IS....We click from the 1 meet because I too had his name....Charl.... my father was name Charles also.....My friend is home.
Jackie Shuler
August 13, 2011
Sharon,
I extend my deepest sympathy to you. I remember the last time we spoke how you spoke of your dad with such love and pride. He was truly a great man. I will make a donation to his alma mater very soon.
Shelia Walker
August 13, 2011
Mr. Gittens, Thank you for your outstanding contribution to the Secret Service. The first Africsn-American is an honor.May God bless and keep you in his loving arms.
Margaret Blackmon
August 13, 2011
Sharon,
I am sorry to hear that your father has exchanged time for eternity. He lived a full life of which I know you are proud. Thank you for sharing him with our country and the world. I'm also thankful that he and your mother shared themselves with the world through the beautiful person you are. My prayers continue for you and your famiily. Love you much.
August 12, 2011
I did not know Mr. Gittens, but he was a source of pride for our country as the first African-American Secret Service Agent. He will be remembered as a great American and sadly missed by his friends and family. Nina Fazande (Houston, Texas).
August 12, 2011
The entire fellowship of the African Orthodox Church, Diocese of Massachusetts, expresses condolenses to
all the family of Mr. Gittens. We will
cherish his memory. He loved his God and his country. May he rest in peace. May the blessings of God be with all of you, always.
Absp. and Mrs. George H. Turner (Boston and Cambridge, MA.)
D Caruth
August 12, 2011
Mr. Gittens was the conssumate professional. He never would have complained about racism although we all know what it must have been like for him. I will never forget meeting him and learning from him. He truly gave to those who came up after him and taught us to be professional in both work and demeanor. Godspeed to you Mr. Gittens.
August 12, 2011
"Condolences to the family of Chares L. Gittens. It's a HONOR to sign this guest book." Eric Jones (Morgantown, WV)
Theresa Campbell
August 12, 2011
I express my condolences to the family members of Charles L. Gittens. May you remember that God is a God of comfort and can give you peace in your time of saddness.
N. McGlothin
August 12, 2011
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Janice Culver
August 12, 2011
Job well done.
Thomas J Tate, Jr
August 12, 2011
Thank you for your service, sir.
Nelson Burtt
August 12, 2011
Rest In Peace Charlie, every so often I still visit the streets we grew up on Fort Washington our old hangout is still there but the people we all knew are gone,we were all proud of you Charlie.
Red Burtt From The Village
Cambridge
JmLee
August 12, 2011
For the history, for his determination, for all he endured as the "first", in what must have been .... he triumphed and stood and was.... I didn't know Agent Gittens I just read about him today and I honor his memory his is a life to be celebrated. May God give him the rest he so deserves. I am in awe of this man. God Bless His family
Kevin McCarthy
August 12, 2011
As long as there are those who have hope and can see the light at the end of the tunnel. There will be those that remember it was Charles Gittens and Men like him who carry that light for us. On behalf of the Moseley and McCarthy families of Cambridge MA. I want to express our deepest sympathy, Love, and reverence for the work that Charles did for us all in his service to GOD and country.Thank You Charlie for being the LIGHT for so many of us to follow.
My Condolences Sharon and Family
Christina (Malsh) Ritzcovan
August 11, 2011
My condolences to the Gittens family. I worked with Mr. Gittens in the early 70's at the Washington Field Office when he was the Special Agent In
Charge. He was a good boss and the office was a pleasant and friendly place to work. God Bless him and his family
Rusty Lindsey
August 11, 2011
Sharon and Family
My brother Hank (Theodore)told me today of your father's passing and I wanted to express the condolences of the whole Lindsey family to you and yours. Our parents were friends in NC back in the 50's and 60's (my mom was Eloise Lindsey) and i recall visiting your home outside DC when i was a little boy. I was in awe of your father in his role as a pioneer and as a secret service agent. Thanks for his service and best to you and your family.
Rusty, Pat and Hank Lindsey
New Beginning OutReach Ministries-UHCA
August 11, 2011
Thank you for your labor of Love!
New Beginning OutReach Ministries-UHCA
August 11, 2011
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
K. Rogers Retired USSS
August 11, 2011
Thank you for your service to your country.
August 11, 2011
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Elizabeth Murray
August 11, 2011
Mr.Charles L.Gittens, American Hero
The first of many because he lead the path.I didn't know him but I am so grateful to him for his contributions,courage and mentoring to others. It warms my heart just knowing he passed this way doing my life time and I hope my grandchildren will someday read about Mr.Charles L.Gittens in history books and for that I say thank you,thank you.
May God Bless you and your family.
Darlene Pollard
August 11, 2011
Sharon -
Your dad was was good man and will be missed by all that knew him. May you find comfort in the memories and legacy.
QB
August 11, 2011
May the God of all comfort be with the Gittens family and your fond memories bring great joy during this time of grief. 2Cor,1;3,4
ray kelley
August 11, 2011
your brother george jntroduced me to you outside his home in cambridge ma. in 1972.i thought he said you were head of the secret service,and ihave been telling people that for 40 yrs..the honor,and respect in which you were held by family,and friends allows me to state you were certainly my director,and no doubt a proud example of a civil rights pioneer. god bless you and yours. ray kelley arlington ma.
August 10, 2011
...A fine and distinguished citizen who paved the way for many young men and women at all levels of especially executive security today.
We in the Middle Tennessee community are proud of Mr. Gittens' accomplishments and his positive role modeling for our youth
Rhonda Cunningham-Burley
August 10, 2011
...A fine and distinguished citizen who paved the way for many young men and women at all levels of especially executive security today.
We in the Middle Tennessee community are proud of Mr. Gittens' accomplishments and his positive role modeling for our youth.
Rhonda Cunningham-Burley
August 10, 2011
...A fine and distinguished citizen who paved the way for many young men and women at all levels of especially executive security today.
We in the Middle Tennessee community are proud of Mr. Gittens' accomplishments and his positive role modeling for our youth
August 10, 2011
Celebrating a life well lived. All that knew him will cherish the memories forever. It is a honor to have known Mr. Gittens!
T. Davis, USSS/Retired
David Greer
August 10, 2011
Thank You for your service sir
DT Bondick
August 10, 2011
Thank you for your dedicated service and for what must have been the difficult paths you blazed not only for your own career, but for generations to come. My deepest condolences to the family of this truly unique leader.
REBA NELSON
August 10, 2011
TO THE FAMILY OF THE FIRST AFRICAN AMERICAN SECRET SERVICE AGENT.MAY GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOU. R FAMILY IN THIS HOUR OF NEED. MY PRAYERS ARE WITH THE FAMILY.REMEMBER THE GOOD TIMES YOU HAD TOGATHER,LAUGHTER AND JOY.GOD KEEP YOU ALWAYS.BECAUSE OF CHIRST.WITH MUCH LOVE. THE NELSON FAMILY. BE BLESSED.I
B. Lorde
August 10, 2011
To the Gittens Family-Take comfort in knowing that Mr. Gittens, served this country well, he has a special place in heaven waiting for him. I did not no him but I am proud of what he has done.
August 10, 2011
...A fine and distinguished citizen who paved the way for many young men and women at all levels of especially executive security today.
We in the Middle Tennessee community are proud of Mr. Gittens' accomplishments and his positive role modeling for our youth.
Harvey Baxter
August 10, 2011
A TRUE TRAILBLAZER AND PIONEER. A CREDIT TO HIS COUNTRY AND A NOBLE PATRIOT. REST IN PEACE MR. GITTENS
charles hubbard
August 10, 2011
thank you, and may you go with god .
MORRIS JONES
August 10, 2011
TO THE FAMILY : MAY THE GOOD LORD ALWAYS BE WITH YOU,AND WATCH OVER YOU ALL . GOD BLESS ! ELDER: MORRIS R. JONES
Tom-e Hamme
August 10, 2011
Sharon,
You're in my thoughts and prayers! Charlie was one loved by many. God bless you during this difficult time.
August 10, 2011
God bless you and Keep your family.
Lisa Britton
August 10, 2011
Sharon,
Reading and learning about your father's life brings a smile to my face and joy to my spirit. May God strengthen you during the challenging days to come.
Thomas Graham
August 10, 2011
Sharon, I am so sorry to read about your father's passing. I am sure that you will have good memories of him. The Almighty God will give him rest.
Dan Mullin
August 10, 2011
Thank you for your service to our country.
Shirl
August 10, 2011
To the family and friends of Mr. charles Gittens. You have my deepest sympathy on the lost of your love one .Mr. Gittens leave behind a lifetime of memories, cherish them and lean of the God of all comfort. 2 Corinthians 1:3.
August 10, 2011
Mr. Gittens, Thank you for your service. God Bless your family.
Eddie R
August 10, 2011
May God be with the Gittens family during your time of sorry. I never met Agent Gittens but as a law enforcement agent , I too have lost a brother. May God bless and keep the Gittens family.
Pete Ulicny
August 10, 2011
Mr. Gittens broke the Secret Service color barrier, which was a great achievement. May he rest in peace. God bles his family and friends.
S Fletcher
August 10, 2011
To the Gittens Family,
You are in our thoughts and prayers. We are thankful and grateful for the service and sacrifice made by Agent Gittens. May your fond memories provide you comfort in the weeks, months, and years to come. Sincerely
Shirley Simmons
August 10, 2011
I did not know Mr. Gittens, but, he is another black man on a long list, of whom, I admire and have the utmost respect for. He falls in line behind
President Obama, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Rev. Al Sharpton, Bill Cosby, Denzel Washington. The list goes on and on.
Please know that his family has my deepest sympathy, for a life well lived.
Arthur G. Williams Jr.
August 10, 2011
Sorry to hear about Mr.Gittens He and my Dad were good friends in Puerto Rico
Joel DeCoursey,Jr.
August 10, 2011
To the Gittens family, May God continue to bless you. Although I did not personally know Mr. Gittens, he and other like him paved the way for folks like me. The frist black police chief in a small town.
Phyllis Shantz
August 10, 2011
Mr. Gittens,
Not only did you have the difficult job of being the first Black Secret Service agent, but you were then given the responsibility of being the Special Agent in Charge for the first five female Secret Service agents. God did not hand you any small task!!
You always dealt with the constant changes and demands in a professional manner. You were a good teacher, a true gentleman and a kind friend.
You and all those who love you are in my prayers.
Gene & Irene
August 10, 2011
To the family of Mr. Gittens,
Our heavenly Father is with you, and He will revive your spirit and your heart. -Isaiah 57:15.
Our sincere sympathy.
August 10, 2011
May God bless your family during this time.
randall ford
August 10, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Ryan
August 10, 2011
Heartfelt condolences to the Gittens family. May the God of all comfort be with you as you cope with your loss.
lisa jarrell
August 10, 2011
Thank you for your service to our country open door other people too may you rest in peace.
August 10, 2011
God bless and keep you Sir. Not only were you a man to blaze a trail for those behind you, but you served your country with dignity and a honorable sense of service.
I realize just how hard you worked, and what your family sacrificed for your profession, for my husband served in the same profession. And it isn't easy on the best of days.
May God watch over and keep your family during this difficult journey.
Matthew 5:9 "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God."
Go well peacemaker.
A former US Secret Service Wife
CHERYL BEASLEY-JEFFERSON
August 10, 2011
THANK YOU FOR PAVING THE WAY FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS TO FOLLOW IN YOUR BRAVE STEPS MAY YOU REST IN PEACE
Charles W. Jr. & Nancy Frederick
August 10, 2011
Thank you for your service to our country and for mentoring our "African American men and women" in believing in themselves and that goals can be reached even in times of adversity."
Charles W. Jr. and Nancy Frederick
Ray Morgan
August 10, 2011
Thank you for your service to our country. People like yourself made us all more secure, safe and demonstrated loyalty to our country. May God Bless you.
WILLIAM CALDWELL III
August 10, 2011
My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead.
M. Johnson
August 10, 2011
May heartfelt thoughts
bring you comfort
and loving memories
bring you peace.
With Deepest Sympathy
Patrick Lee
August 10, 2011
I did not know Mr. Gittens, but I am sure he was a good man in the service of OUR Country. May God give the family the strength they need during their time of sorrow. "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning." Pslam 30:5b
Gaynelle Williamson
August 10, 2011
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Anthony Hines,I
August 10, 2011
To the Gittens FAMILY
My sincere condolences to your family.
I am proud today because of the many years of service to our country Mr. Gittens provided.
God bless you.
Linda
August 10, 2011
Thank you for opening the door for others that came after you, especially President Obama.
God Bless you, and Rest in Peace.
Sissy Dowe
August 10, 2011
Difinitely needs to be placed in the books of history, especially African-American history books. A Legacy.
Charl Jones
August 10, 2011
Sharon you have my deepest condolences...Your father was my friend we shared good time together and I will miss him so.....I last spoke to him around May of this year 2011 he told me he was moving and at the time awaiting your arrival . He was very proud of your accomplishments the master going for the PHD that made him very proud. I know he is smiling as he alway did when I saw him...Love you Charlie.......Charl Jones of Seat Pleasant
August 10, 2011
Thank you for your service to our country.
Charl Jones
August 10, 2011
I'm sadden by his lost. He was my friend for 15 years and I last spoke to him around May of 2011 when he stated that he was moving from this home in Fort Washington we had some great times going to resturants, baltimore, the trip to new york after 9/11 sharing stories and talking politics and current affairs. He encouraged me to obtain a boating license because he needed a co-pilot for the boat. I'll miss him dearly ...what will happen to sade.....his pooch... Sharon you have my condolences... Charl M Jones of Seat Pleasant Maryland
Cassandra Jackson-Cauls
August 10, 2011
To the family and friends you have my deepest sympathy and I will keep you in my prayers. I worked with Mr. Gittens at Department of Justice Office of Special Investigations in the early 80's I was never aware that he was the first black secret service agent but I feel honored to have known him and worked with him. He will truly be missed
Valerie Jordan-Perry
August 10, 2011
I did not know you but thank you for your contributions and making this world a better place. May you rest in peace!
August 10, 2011
I had the PLEASURE of being Charlie's friend starting in 1997. We had some very good times together. I last spoke to him around May of 2011 when he told me he was moving out of his home in Ft Washington MD. After that I lost contact. I enjoyed talking politics and current affairs with him. My condolences go out to Sharon his daughter. He loved you and was proud of you getting your Masters, and working on the PHD. I gonna miss him he was my friend..
Charl M. Jones of Seat Pleasant
Roger Schaetzel
August 10, 2011
Thank you sir for serving our country. My grandfather was a secret service agent who protected FDR. I have deep respect for you and all who put their lives in line for our nation. God bless you and my deepest sympathies for your family.
Moses Gittens
August 10, 2011
My condolences to the Gittens family on their lose. May god bless you and keep you strong in this dificult time.
J Allan
August 10, 2011
Thannks Mr. Gittens for your service to our country.
It is those of you who serve silently everyday for our country, without recognition, fanfare or political envies that really have made this country great.
God bless you American Hero.
Barbara E Adams
August 10, 2011
Thank you, Mr. Gittens, for your dedicated service to our country. My thoughts and prayers are with your family and friends as you enter eternal peace and happiness. Rest in peace!
Theresa Grant
August 10, 2011
The life and dedication of a servant often goes unnoticed. A career in LENF is a reflection of sacrifice and love. Thanks for your contributions and the knowledge and wisdom you have imparted to others. God will restore to your loved ones peace and joy beyond understanding.
Frances Chambers
August 10, 2011
Thank you for your dedicated service to our country and for leading the way and mentoring others in a positive and respectful fashion. May you rest in peace; God bless the family.
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