Albert "Skip" Kitchner

1947 - 2026

Albert "Skip" Kitchner III, 78, of Lakewood Ranch, FL passed away on March 7, 2026 after a lengthy battle with ALS.



Skip was born on July 9, 1947 to Al and Ruthie Kitchner in New Jersey and graduated from Manatee High in 1965. He followed his family tradition and joined the Marines where he served for three years. He received an accommodation as "Expert Marksman," the highest proficiency rating in the U.S. military for small-arms qualification, requiring superior accuracy. In addition, he was awarded Dress Blues at graduation in 1967. His father, also a Marine, was very proud.



Skip graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from West Florida where he was elected to "Who's Who Among Students in Universities and Colleges" in recognition of outstanding merit. He went on to teach history for a few years before starting his own insurance agencies. He worked for over 30 years at Kitchner and Associates with nephew, Josh Kitchner and Kitchner and Pierro, with business partner, Rich Pierro.



He married Vicki, in 1989. Skip and Vicki retired in 2012 and divided their time between Florida and North Carolina. They were avid hikers, putting "boot to trail" all over America, as well as, Canada, France, Italy, Switzerland, Chile, Ireland, Scotland, Tanzania and Sweden.



Skip was a man of deep faith who enjoyed his time at Harvest UMC. He was a proud member of The Journeymen, an organization of Christian men who epitomized compassion and integrity. He also worked beside these amazing men in "Our Next Mission," where they remodeled manufactured homes for veterans. He devoted countless hours to The Salvation Army of Manatee County, Haywood Christian Ministries in NC and was on the board of Tidewell Hospice for many years.



He collected fine wines, loved to cook and often merged the two interests around a dinner table with friends.



Skip was preceded in death by Albert Kitchner II and Ruth Alburger Kitchner.



Skip will be lovingly remembered by his wife and best friend, Vicki. He also leaves behind his beloved son, Tad Kitchner, wife Megan and granddaughters Jane and Marley, all of whom were the light of his life. He is survived by a brother Keith Kitchner, also a Marine who proudly served in Vietnam, (wife Karen), sister Tracy Starkey (husband Dennis), Brother David Kitchner and Sister Kim Forman (husband Tim). Nephews: Keith Jr, Josh, Brian Kitchner and Tim Forman. Niece: Katie Forman.



He will also be sorely missed by his Brother-in-Law, Larry Sauer (wife Janet), Sister-in-law Jeri Sauer. Nephews: Joey and Andy Sauer.



A Private Service will be held at Harvest UMC. If you wish to make a donation in Skip's honor, please consider Our Next Mission or The Salvation Army of Manatee County.