Vaden FITTON

1928 - 2015

FITTON

Vaden, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, October 29, 2015 surrounded by members of his family. Vaden was born on April 25th, 1928 in Mercy Hospital in Hamilton, OH, the 4th child of Don W. and Nanny V. Fitton. He was a 1946 graduate of Hamilton High School where he was a member of the basketball, tennis teams, and the marching band. Following high school he graduated from Princeton University in 1950 with a degree in economics. After college he was drafted into the US Army and served in the Korean War in the artillery division as a forward observer, calling in coordinates of enemy positions from the front lines during eleven months in combat action. He later served as an aid-de-camp to General William Harrison, Jr., who was one of the U.S. representatives at the peace negotiations in Panmunjom, North Korea. After an honorable discharge from the Army at the rank of 1st Lieutenant, he embarked on his banking career at 1st National Bank of Hamilton Ohio, which is presently First Financial Bank. It was at this time that he met and began courting the love of his life, Grace Addison of Richmond, Virginia. They married in 1955 in Gloucester, Virginia, a marriage that spanned 55 years. They were the parents of three children, Anne Fitton Woolsey, Katherine Fitton Mancera and Vaden Woods Fitton. Vaden had a very successful career, retiring as the bank's 1st Vice President in 1980. During his career 1st National Bank experienced significant growth and today remains the 6th oldest national bank in the U.S. After retirement Vaden continued to serve on the corporate board of directors at First Financial Bank for some 20 years. During his career he also served as a Director on the corporate boards of the Ohio Casualty Corporation, D.D. Williamson Company in Louisville, Ky, Coyles Inc., and the Vaughn Building Company. Vaden was a very dedicated community leader, serving in volunteer leadership roles with numerous organizations such as the YMCA, Fitton Center for Creative Arts, First United Methodist Church, where he was a lifetime member, Fort Hamilton Hospital, United Way, Hamilton Community Foundation, Hamilton City Club, Hamilton Rotary Club and New London Hills Club. He was one of the founders of Hospice of Miami Valley and served as its first board chairman. He was also a member of the Western College Board of Trustees. Vaden was inducted into the Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame in 1992. He also served as the treasurer of the Hamilton Bicentennial Commission at which time permanent enhancements to Hamilton such as the Fitton Center for the Creative Arts and the Miami River bike path were brought to fruition largely through private funding. Vaden chaired the YMCA capital campaign in 1968 that led to the construction of their first family branches: Hamilton West Y and the Fairfield Family Y. Most recently he chaired the 2014 Fitton Center Capital Campaign that created numerous enhancements to that facility, including the Fitton Family Theatre. In all this, he has left a lasting legacy to the community he loved so much. After his retirement, Vaden and Grace became passionate world travelers, visiting all parts of the globe. Vaden is survived by his three children Anne Fitton Woolsey (Mark), Katherine Fitton Mancera and Vaden Woods Fitton (Dianne); eight grandchildren, Katherine Woolsey Neff (Stewart), Lewis and Carter Woolsey; Katherine, Luisa and Eduardo Mancera; Vaden and Andrew Fitton; one brother Captain Cyrus Falconer Fitton (Jean); three brothers-in-law Edward (Bunny) and David (Marion) Addison, and Kenneth D. Williams; one sister-in-law Anne Addison Scott, along with countless nephews, nieces, cousins and many friends. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Grace Addison Fitton, parents Don W. and Nanny V. Fitton, sister Kate Fitton Irvine (Winton) and brother Don W. Fitton, Jr. (Claire). Vaden was a man of character, steeped in honor and integrity, with a strong belief in personal responsibility. These characteristics were teamed with a very keen sense of humor. He left our world a better place and while he will be missed, his legacy will be felt for generations through the many lives he touched. The family would like to thank his many caregivers who have helped him over the past several months, but particularly his devoted caregivers from Colonial At Home and Hospice. Their compassionate care was indispensable. The family would also like to thank Maria Cecere, Linda Perry, Kim Gingrich and Terry Baker for their loving service to Vaden. Visitation will be Friday November 20th from 4:30 P.M. until 7:30 P.M. at the Weigel Funeral Home, 980 N.W. Washington Blvd, Hamilton, OH. A memorial service will be held on Saturday November 21st at 10:30 A.M. at the First United Methodist Church, 225 Ludlow Street, Hamilton, OH with Pastor Mark Finfrock and Reverend Grant Montgomery officiating. If desired, memorials may be made to the Fitton Center for Creative Arts, 101 S. Monument Street, Hamilton, OH 45011 or Great Miami Valley YMCA, 105 N. 2nd St., Hamilton, OH, 45011