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Charles Clinton "Charlie" Pitcher
Charles Clinton "Charlie" Pitcher
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Charles Pitcher Obituary
Age 82, of Bethel Park, on Saturday, October 3, 2009. Beloved husband of Susan (Danko); father of David, John, Steven, Timothy Pitcher and Kimberly Forsythe; grandfather of Brady, Jonathan, Amber, Aaron, Natalie and the late Stephen, Vincent and Tyler; brother of the late Ellen LeeMaster and Joanne Davidson. Born in Cumberland, MD and graduating from Mt. Lebanon H.S. in 1945, Charles followed his passion for art as a professional artist for most of his life. He graduated Westminster College, New Wilmington in 1950 and pursued a Special Studies Degree from Pratt Institute, NY in the same year. In 1957 he received a BSA in Education from Edinboro University. Charles taught Art in the Pittsburgh City School System from 1957-1965, was director of education at Buhl Planitarium from 1965-1971 and was owner of the Charles Pitcher Gallery in Shadyside from 1970-1973. But it is his creation of art and his love for and expression of nature that will be so very deeply missed. Quoting others, "Charles' work is extremely particular and masterful-he created almost photographic-like paintings with color and brush. His paintings are a statement of the truth we can often overlook or take for granted, due to our introspective daily drive." And another, "Although his works are skillfully objective representations of natural settings, they are not just pictures that exhibit virtuosity with water color and oil. They are celebrations of what it is to be fully human and alive." His family and friends have no doubt that Charlie's deep belief is now realized: "The woods are my sanctuary only there do I find peace"...Charlie Pitcher. A Memorial Service will be held to celebrate Charlie's life at the Third Street Gallery, 220 Third St., Carnegie on Sunday 2-4pm. Funeral arrangements by BEINHAUER - CONNELL 412-835-7940. Please add or view tributes at www.beinhauerfamilyservices.com
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April 24, 2010
Just heard of Charlie's passing, and want to extend our sympathy to you, Susan and your family.
Howard and Kate Tanning
Robert Brust
February 6, 2010
Dear Susan and family: I've only recently learned that Charlie passed away 4 months ago. (Haven't been reading papers, and no one told me at the time.) I'm sad to hear that, and send my belated sympathies for your loss. I knew him for many years (though not well), and admired his paintings and his approach to art and life. I'll miss seeing new tree paintings, and miss seeing Charlie around. Best wishes. --Rob Brust
kathleen zimbicki
October 14, 2009
Dear Susan & family, All the wonderful things said about Charlie are so true, but what I feel most important was, He was so HONEST. Sympathy kathleen & mike zimbicki
Michael Ord
October 13, 2009
Susan, I was so sorry to hear of Charlie's passing yet I felt so blessed to have known him for so many years. For the past couple of days the memories have been rolling through my head almost non stop and when there was a break, I would pass through another room in my home and there was another one of Charlie's magnificant works of art to remind me all over again. I have been privileged to display and enjoy Charlie's art for about 40 years now and every now and then I will stop to take a closer look at one of his pieces and notice something that I hadn't seen before, that was the genius of his work. I believe that he left a little piece of his soul in each and every work and I love to regale guests with wonderful stories about Charlie when a one of them invariably says, "who painted that, it's beautiful". It isn't just all of his friends who have suffered such a terrible lose, all of Southwestern PA. has lost a Regional Treasure. Fortunately he left an incredible body of work so that he will never be forgotten. Last but not least I need to tell you that I can never look at one of his paintings with his amazing detail of trees without remembering what Patty used to say as we were driving somewhere. She would look out the window and say, "look Michael, look at all the Charlie Pitcher Trees". I will miss Charlie the Artist and I will miss Charlie my Friend, but I will always remember him when I look out and see all those fascinating Charlie Pitcher Trees.
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Diane Dornberger
October 10, 2009
Dear Susan, My life was richer for having known Charlie. One of my most treasured posessions is the cartoon of me in the midst of tangled threads of my loom captioned "I know there is a rug in here somewhere". My heart and prayers are with you. I just received the news from my friend Marcia in Bethel Park today. I'm in Jerusalem on a mission trip! Love you forever!
Laura Lutton
October 9, 2009
I am deeply saddened in learning of the passing of Charlie Pitcher. I did so look forward to the chance to meet him and see his works in your gallery home. I marvel everyday at the painting winter walk hanging in my living room. His paintings are incredible works of art and I'm sure he was ten times more incredible a man.
October 8, 2009
Dear John and Family -- I had the pleasure of not only meeting your dad but two pieces of his amazing work hang in my home which I have so enjoyed for many years. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Lynn Flory
Dale & Betsy Huffman
October 7, 2009
Dear Susan,
We were so saddened to hear about Charlie. One of his watercolors hangs at the foot of our stairs and greets us every morning! He will always be in our thoughts....
Dale & Betsy
October 7, 2009
Charlie was not only the artist described in his obituary, although he was all of that, he was a man who lived his art, who was a friend to all who knew him, a man of humor, a humanist, a man who truly loved life and all that was in it. I will miss him on a personal basis, but I will always have the benefit of what he has left for all of us. Be comforted, Susan,in what you meant to this career and his life. Joe and Natalie Steele
Joseph and Natalie Steele
October 7, 2009
Charlie was not only the artist described in his obituary, although he was all of that, he was a man who lived his art, who was a friend to all who knew him, a man of humor, a humanist, a man who truly loved life and all that was in it. I will miss him on a personal basis, but I will always have the benefit of what he has left for all of us. Be comforted, Susan,in what you meant to this career and his life. Joe and Natalie Steele
Molly Selan
October 7, 2009
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. Please accept my deepest sympathies. ~ Molly
Kitty Spangler
October 7, 2009
Susan, I'm thinking of all of you. It's so sad to think of having a world without Charlie in it. He was enthusiastic and young-at-heart always. Love, Kitty
John Skoko
October 7, 2009
Our world has lost one of it's truely great treasures. Charlie was a great artist, teacher and man...He will be missed.
John Skoko
October 7, 2009
Dear Susan and Family,
The entire staff of Concept Art Gallery mourns the loss of a great talent and wonderful human being; we are thinking of you during this difficult time. With deepest sympathy,
Debbie, Sam, Alison, Dan, Chuck, Phil, Marianne and Bill
Cheryl (Cherie) Sych
October 7, 2009
"Mr. Pitcher" -- Was always standing at the door to his room at school where I would enter with great enthusiasm and joy. He was always smiling and I so loved to learn from his teaching. My first real looking horses came from Mr.Pitcher's patience and guidance. He made me really love horses when I didn't really care much about them except to think about riding one day. I was in Jr.High School (Prospect in Mt.Washington)when I was so happy to go to art classes. Charlie was a glorious teacher and I never forgot him thru the years. When I talked about "favorite" teachers with anyone, Charlie was always on my not too long list of them.
I will try to attend his memorial service on Sunday, but if I can not, Susan, I would like you and his children to know that he will always be my favorite Mr.Pitcher.
Sincerely ------Cherie (Schotoff)
Sych
October 7, 2009
Charlie will live forever in our hearts and on the walls of our home in Long Beach, California which are covered with Charlie's pen & ink drawing, pencil sketch, contemporary water color, prints, and a huge oil abstract he did many years ago. Thanks for putting such beauty in our lives Charlie and for always entertaining us with "the parrot joke" when we were in town. Our love and condolences to Susan, Kim, and family.
Bill and Claire Sharp
Barbara Cloud
October 7, 2009
I knew Charlie while attending Westminster College. His art talent wasn't what I remember back then, just his fun-loving ways and his friendship. He was a leader on campus. Then, later in life when I began to work in Pittsburgh I would hear artist friends talk about someone by the name of Charles Pitcher. (With praise I might add.) But I didn't realize he was "my" Charlie Pitcher from those early days until years later. I have since stared at his art for long periods in galleries, especially those intricate trees in the woods,and have been astounded by this talent which became his life's work. Many pleasant memories are stirred and as others have said, he lives on in those magnificent drawings, and in your heart,Susan,I am sure. When I saw him at a showing a few years ago I teased I couldn't afford such art but if I could, his would be my first purchase. I will always feel great pride as a fellow Westminster graduate, Class of 1951.
Sharon Levosky
October 7, 2009
Thinking of all the beauty he brought into our lives is breathtaking. He will be missed.
Sharon Levosky
James Guentner
October 7, 2009
Susan and Family: Charlie was not only an amazing artist but also a beloved friend. I loved visiting with him in his studio and sharing our passion for art. I am so happy that Linda got to know him as well. Susan our deepest sympathy and prayers to you and your family. He will be missed but lives on thru his amazing work. Jim and Linda
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