John Carter Fitch

John Carter Fitch
Decorated Military Veteran

TYNGSBORO -- John Carter Fitch, 81, of Tyngsboro, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 4, 2014 after a long battle with kidney disease, with his loving wife and children by his side. He was the beloved husband of Jeanne-Marie (Swiatly) Fitch who were married in Paris, France and recently celebrated their 57th Wedding Anniversary on April 23rd.

Born April 2, 1933, in Indian Rock (Buchanan), Virginia, he was a son of the late William and the late Florence (Carter) Fitch, attended the local schools, and graduated from UMass Lowell with a degree in business.

Mr. Fitch was a decorated military veteran who served with the United States Navy for three years, the United States Air Force for twenty years, followed by another twenty years in Civil Service. During his military career he served during the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam War. After his honorable discharge he retired in Lowell, where he lived for 37 years.

John's most important part of his life was his children and grandchildren. He was very proud of their achievements. He loved to barbecue for family gatherings and to watch his wife tending to the garden. He was kind, peaceful, and gentle to all. Everyone who met him loved him including the many doctors and nurses who cared for him throughout the years. John will be greatly missed.

In addition to his beloved wife, Jeanne-Marie, he is survived by his six children, Florence Cruz and her husband, Hector of Westford, Stanley Fitch and his wife, Tami of Worcester, Stephan Fitch and his wife, Karina of New York, Helene Friedlander and her husband, Richard of Westford, Linda Otero and her husband, Rene of Sandy Spring, MD, and Gregory Fitch of Waltham. He is also survived by his twelve grandchildren, Joshua, Jonathan, Jacob, Jordanne, Emma, Zachary, Bryson, Hannah, Kaela, Genevieve, Jett, and Syrus; his extended family in Virgina; Nadine Hubbard and several other cousins, nieces and nephews.

FITCH -- A PRIVATE FAMILY VIEWING WILL BE HELD. YOU ARE INVITED TO HIS CELEBRATION OF LIFE ON SATURDAY, MAY 10, 2014 AT THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF MELROSE, 561 MAIN STREET, MELROSE, MA AT 11 A.M. A RECEPTION WILL FOLLOW IN THE CHURCH HALL. BURIAL WILL TAKE PLACE IN ARLINGTON NATIONAL VETERANS CEMETERY AT A LATER DATE. IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, DONATIONS IN HIS MEMORY MAY BE MADE TO THE National Kidney Foundation, 85 ASTOR AVE #2, NORWOOD, MA 02062 OR THE VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL FUND, 2600 VIRGINIA AVE NW #104, WASHINGTON, DC 20037. ARRANGEMENTS BY THE MCDONOUGH FUNERAL HOME, 14 HIGHLAND STREET, LOWELL 978-458-6816. PLEASE VISIT WWW.MCDONOUGHFUNERALHOME.COM TO SEND THE FAMILY AN E-CONDOLENCE.