Larry Pitsch

Larry H. Pitsch, 83, of Manchester and Moultonborough, NH passed away on July 28 at the Granite VNA Hospice House, Concord, NH. He was born in Chippewa Falls, WI on March 11, 1941, the son of the late Harold and Janette (Wolfe) Pitsch. The middle of three boys, he grew up on a dairy farm and attended a one room school house in Jim Falls, Wisconsin.

A graduate of the University of Wisconsin with a degree in mechanical engineering and a member of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity, he received his MBA from Stanford University. Larry was passionate about his career and absolutely loved his work.

For most of his career, he worked for Ingersoll-Rand Corporation (New York City), retiring as a senior vice president of the Process Machinery group with facilities located worldwide. He first came to New Hampshire when Ingersoll-Rand purchased Improved Machinery Company (IMPCO) in Nashua. Fifteen years later, after positions in Connecticut and California, he returned as President of IMPCO and California Pellet Mills. He loved the challenges of manufacturing highly engineered machines, seeing most obstacles as an opportunity. This attitude typified his life philosophy.

After retirement from I-R, he continued serving on the Board of California Pellet Mills (CPM) and purchased several manufacturing businesses. One business, Crathern/Perondi, took him to Italy where he had an apartment outside of Milan. Another business, IPM, was purchased by Siemens in 2009. The businesses he loved were feed and energy related. His success internationally might have been due to the fact that he read the history of each country in which he did business; His appreciation of food, art, music, and culture went a long way. Irish associates said he could date castle ruins and their history better than the archeologists.

He mentored and guided many younger people coming into manufacturing, especially women. In Hartford, CT he supported a successful innovative program training women machinists. Larry was always drawn to Asian art, and in the 1990s he and his wife built a Japanese inspired house on Lake Winnipesaukee. Decades of business in Japan and travel throughout the country fueled his love of Japanese architecture and gardens. His love of building and gardening can be seen throughout his lake house via the many projects he made: from the entrance gate, to a bamboo fence, to a finished office library.

He spent his last two months at the lake house. It was his favorite place and a true representation of the passions he and Barbara shared. An avid collector of Asian antiquities, he steeped himself in the history of China and Japan. Larry's other passions were horse racing, ballet and contemporary dance performances, art, and theater. Wherever he was in the world, he would attend a performance or a museum. He served on the boards of the Nashua Visiting Nurse Association, NH Symphony, NH Public Television, World Affairs Council, US Manufacturing Association, and the American Feed Association. Larry was a strong believer in philanthropy, generously supporting many organizations throughout his life.

His kindness, patience, and great sense of humor were ever present. Family members include his wife of 59 years, Barbara (Jones) Pitsch; his daughter, Christina Pitsch and her husband Paul Kovalov of Manchester; and nephews, nieces, and cousins.

A celebration of his life service will take place at Phaneuf Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 243 Hanover St, Manchester, NH on September 21 at 1 p.m., followed by a time of fellowship with food and drink in the funeral cafe. In lieu of flowers donations in Larry Pitsch's name can be made to Girls Inc. (Manchester, NH), Winnipesaukee Playhouse (Meredith, NH), or Granite VNA Hospice House (Concord, NH). To view an online tribute, send condolences to the family, or for more information, visit phaneuf.net.