CARL R. AITKEN

AITKEN
CARL R.
Age 76, passed away suddenly at his winter home in Phoenix, AZ of heart failure on December 14, 2017. He was born on August 5, 1941, the first child of the late Clarence and Mary Aitken. Carl is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years, Johanna "Jo Ann" Aitken; three children, Christine Hartland (Rick Musgrove) of Phoenix, AZ, Kip Aitken (Julie) of Sterling, IL, and Jennifer Schnore (Peter) of Upper St.Clair, PA; six grandchildren, Kate, Rob, Abby, Ellie, Ben and John; two step grandchildren, Colleen and Charlotte; and his three siblings Diane Spero, Dennis and Jack. Carl worked endlessly and selflessly to provide a good life for his family.His primary employment was as a machinist at the Nabisco Bakery in East Liberty. In retirement, during the summer months when he and Jo Ann lived in their Mt. Lebanon home, they enjoyed working together as ticket takers for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Carl also coached the Allegheny Mountain Road Runners when his children were young as well as coaching other sports teams for his grandchildren in retirement. Carl, who was known as "Beans" to his many friends, loved to golf, fish, cycle, and to spoil his grandchildren. He was an avid Steelers, Penguins and Pirates fan, and would always wear their logos on game days regardless of where he was traveling or in which state he was residing. He loved to cook and was good at it, which is a trait his children try to follow and it will be missed by all. Carl loved to travel and vacation with his wife, children and grandchildren. He was a loving husband who always put his family first, and was instrumental in all three of his children obtaining advanced degrees in law and business, despite the fact that he never attended college. He was proud of his family and children. Carl lived the American Dream. He died happy and content. He will be remembered fondly and missed by many. A memorial will be held this summer in Pittsburgh, PA.