Silvio A. Fittipaldi

FITTIPALDI, Silvio A., DVM 99, of Cocoa Beach, FL (formerly of Haddon Heights, Collingswood, Avalon and Nesco) departed this life and moved on to the next, Monday, March 28, 2011. He was born to the late Silvio Louis and Columbia on November 21, 1911 in Philadelphia. Silvio, fondly known as Fitts, was married to his first wife, Lydia (nee Johnson), who predeceased him in 1998, for 63 years. His second marriage to Traude (nee Brockmeyer) of five years ended with her death in 2005. His sister, Giovanna, also predeceased him. His career as a veterinary doctor and surgeon began in Collingswood in 1938. In 1948, he built Collingswood Veterinary Hospital, the first "modern" animal hospital in the area, on the Circle. He retired in 1978 but continued to do hospital inspections. The Circle is gone, but the hospital remains in operation. He was noted for his diagnostic skill and had many animals referred to him from as far away as New York and Virginia. His wisdom, knowledge, and compassion were a boon to his patients, his clients, and his colleagues. Many other vets in the area as well as the University of Pennsylvania sent the "lost" cases to him. Among his clients were Arturo Toscanini, Patti LaBelle, Al Martino and Xavier Cugat. Dr. Fittipaldi founded the South Jersey Veterinary Medical Association and served as its second president. He was president of the New Jersey Veterinary Medical Association, the Academy of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, and the State Board of Veterinary Examiners. He was a member of the American Society of Anesthesiology and the American Animal Hospital Association. He was instrumental in the establishment of inspection and accreditation of animal hospitals. Fitts attended and graduated from Alabama Polytechnic Institute (Auburn University) in 1937. Ever a War Eagle, it was with great enthusiasm that he attended an Auburn game this past October where he was honored by the Veterinary School and the Tigers' coach. In his 99 years, he saw many changes in this world from the Model T's to Space Shuttles. He told of delivering milk by horse and cart - he could catch up on sleep before school because the horse knew all the stops. Later, he hauled ice for ice boxes; this was how he worked out for his football days at Haddon Heights. His football career began in 1927; Captain Fitts was selected for the All Group B all-star team which led to recruiters from Penn State, Temple and Loyola among others knocking on his door. It was a time when many of the area schools had winning teams. His ties to Collingswood began during his high school football days when he played against Jack Earle, who would become a dear friend. He chose Loyola because his mother thought the Jesuits "could settle him down." Unfortunately, he preferred sports to academics so Loyola and later the U of P did not last long. It was not until he met our mother, Lydia, that he earnestly pursued his second love - veterinary medicine (Lydia being his first, of course!). He enrolled at Alabama Polytech, studied and excelled, and became valedictorian of his class. While at Auburn, he had the opportunity to fill in as vocalist for the Ted Weems Orchestra. He toured during the summer with the Band. Ted asked him to stay on, but he was married now and stuck to his studies. His replacement was Perry Como, with whom he developed a lasting friendship. His dedication to serving others was also evident in his membership and leadership in the Artisans, Knights of Columbus, B.P.O.E. (Elks), Vesper Club and as a Fellow in Rotary International. He continued his love of football by helping coach Collingswood freshman including his sons, and inspiring the squad, known as the Golden Eleven. His life was full, interesting and active. He called Jersey Joe Walcott, world heavyweight boxing champion, a friend and sparring partner. He loved golf, played Pine Valley, and had ownership in a few area courses. At the invitation of his cousin, Willie Mosconi, he played golf with Jackie Gleason on numerous occasions. He walked the course at Cocoa Beach Country Club every day until a few weeks ago when he had to take to the cart. Known for his quick wit, when asked what he did when he hit the ball on the green, he replied, "the guys give it to me, but it's lousing up my handicap." Here's to you Pop! Your children, nephew, grandchildren, and great grandchildren are blessed to have had such a loving father, uncle, and PopPop, who taught us perseverance and tolerance, and guided us and gave us the wherewithal to make our own decisions. We know that you were proud of us because you always reminded us; but when we did something wrong, you reminded us about that too. We, in turn, are proud to have had you and Mom as our parents and mentors. You touched and influenced many people, including your clients, your friends, and our friends. Celebrating his memory and continuing his legacy are his sons and daughter and their spouses: Joseph and Patsy of Jacksonville, FL; Richard and Roseanne of Nesco; and Janet and Larry of Eastampton, along with his brother, Frank; nephew, John; and his nine grandchildren and six great grandchildren. In keeping with his service to others, contributions may be made in his memory to St. John of God, 1145 Delsea Drive, Westville, NJ 08093 or Christian Foundation for Children and Aging, 1 Elmwood Avenue, Kansas City, KS 66103. His Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Rita of Cascia Church, 20 Braisington Avenue, Bellmawr, NJ at 11:00 AM on Friday, April 8th. Relatives and friends are invited to attend Fitts' Life Celebration beginning in Church with a calling hour from 10:00 - 11:00 AM. Entombment will be at New St. Mary's Cemetery, Bellmawr. Arrangements HEALEY FUNERAL HOME (www.healeyfuneralhomes.com)