William Gerard Zittinger

William Gerard (Jerry) Zittinger, 83, of Newport News passed away on Sunday, January 18, 2026 after a brief illness. He was born in Baltimore, Maryland on March 12, 1942.

Jerry was predeceased by his parents LeRoy and Bertha, his sisters and their husbands Dawn and Louis Minnie and Betty and Donald Bowers, and his nephews Danny Minnie and Herbie Bowers.

He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1958 and was assigned to various ships during his career. Jerry completed numerous tours of duty in Vietnam with the Navy Cargo Battalion. His final re-enlistment took place on the carrier John F. Kennedy and he retired after twenty years of service with the rank of Master At Arms. He then worked for the Department of Defense at the Norfolk Naval Base in their Police Department before retiring as Captain in 1998.

Prior to moving to Newport News, Jerry was a long time resident of Chesapeake where he enjoyed the friendly games of Poker with the Love 2 Bet Entertainment Group and frequented the Pirate's Cove Restaurant for good conversations with the regulars and enjoying a delicious meal prepared by Eddie and Stephanie.

He is survived by his wife Betty Staib Minter, daughter and son-in-law Brenda and Jeremy Galloway, granddaughter Tiffany Elise and special friend Fred Nichols all of Newport News and several brothers and sisters-in-law, nephews and nieces.

A private burial was held officiated by Pastor Chris Gill with full Military honors. Weymouth Funeral Home was in charge of funeral arrangements.

Contributions may be made in Jerry's memory to Tunnel to Tower Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306 (T2T.org).