Frank E. Pitcher

WAYNE -- Frank E. Pitcher, "Pappy," 79, of Wayne, formerly of Glastonbury, Conn., passed away Wednesday, April 15, 2009, at his home in Wayne.

Frank was born on Sept. 13, 1929, in Rockville Centre, Long Island, N.Y., the son of Francis W. and Margaret (Dodd) Pitcher and grew up in Freeport, Long Island. He attended Freeport High School, where he was president and valedictorian of his high school class, captain of the basketball team and was chosen as All-Long Island in basketball.

Frank attended Cornell University, where he was a member of Psi Upsilon fraternity and played varsity basketball. Upon completing his undergraduate studies, Frank enlisted in the Navy, where he served his country for four years as a lieutenant after graduating from officer candidate school in Newport, R.I. After his enlistment, Frank returned to Cornell School of Law and received his doctorate of law in 1958.

He began his legal career with Sprague & Stern Attorneys at Law in Long Island. In the 1960s, Frank kept two thoroughbred race horses at Belmont stables and treated his family and friends to an exciting run in their lives. He started his own legal practice in 1966 and was admitted to the Bar of the Supreme Court of the United States. In 1969, Frank moved his family to Glastonbury, Conn., where he accepted a position at United Technologies Corporation as legal counsel; his career with UTC lasted through to his retirement in 1992. While with UTC, Frank traveled the world, occasionally with wife and/or children in tow, negotiating contracts and leading UTC's product liability legal activities.

Frank enjoyed spending all his free time with his family playing basketball, Wiffle ball, football, tennis and golf; fishing; boating and generally leading as a fun-loving kid at heart. It was common for all the neighborhood kids to come knocking at the door to ask if "Uncle Frank" could come out and play. As his children grew up, he became a welcomed fixture at virtually all their high school basketball practices and games. Frank was the life of any get-together, making sure everyone was having a great time. He will be deeply missed by all who had the good fortune to know him.

He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Muriel; daughter Kimberley Choiniere and her husband, Paul, and their children, Jennifer and her fiancé, Dave Wilson, and Brian and his wife, Gina; son Frank Pitcher and his partner, Brinna Davis, and his daughter, Kaolin; son Michael Pitcher and his wife, Kerry, and their children, Michael, Shannon, Christopher and Matthew; son Douglas Pitcher and his wife, Lynn, and their children, Jacquelyn, Timothy and Rachel; and daughter Jennifer Paternostro and her husband, James, and their children, James, Sarah and William. Frank also leaves behind a brother-in-law, George Dragonetti and his wife, Elsie; and many nieces and nephews. Frank was predeceased by his father, Francis W. Pitcher; and his mother, Margaret E. Pitcher.

A memorial service will take place in Wayne at 2 p.m. May 9 at the home of Muriel and Frank overlooking Pocassett Lake. Contributions in Frank's memory may be made to the Winthrop Ambulance Association, 31 Old Western Ave., Winthrop, ME 04364. Arrangements are in the care of Wiles Remembrance Center, 308 Franklin Road, Route 133, Jay. Words of condolence may be sent via e-mail to info@wilesrc.com.