Bradley Pitts

1947 - 2023

Bradley Pitts
March 30, 1947 - July 23, 2023
Modesto, California - "I have loved my life and I've had the best wife." This was the declaration made by Bradley Forrest Pitts, 76, just days before he died of a hemorrhagic stroke with his loving wife Anna at his bedside.
Brad was the youngest of five children born to Kenneth and Cleva Pitts. Following the death of his father, six year old Brad was placed at the San Bernardino Catholic orphanage and later into foster care. Those early years were not easy, yet Brad credited those experiences with crafting him into the person we knew. Emancipated at age 16, he worked in restaurants and on construction sites while attending Ramona High School.
In 1965 as a high school senior, Bradley earned both an academic and a football scholarship. He accepted the athletic scholarship. In his freshman year he sustained an injury serious enough to keep him off the football team, but not from being drafted into the US Army. His five years of service in the Army Special Forces included four year in Vietnam in military planning and operations, and a year in Germany as an intelligence courier. While in the military, Brad developed his life-long love of European history and travel.
Brad attended San Bernardino State College on the G.I. Bill, earning a B.A. in Sociology, followed by an M.A. in Business Finance. His love of construction finance led to a fulfilling 50+ year career in banking. He was committed to helping his customers reach their goals, feeling their success was his success. You may have crossed his path first at Security Pacific Bank or later at Modesto Banking Company, Farmers & Merchants Bank or County Bank.
Beyond his career Brad was a man of many talents and passions. When Brad wasn't in his banking suit, he could regularly be found sporting overalls while designing, building and renovating his personal and business real estate properties. He single-handedly turned an assemblage of triangles and polygons into a geodesic dome in Groveland. During his retirement Brad's place of solace was the vacation home he built at Pine Mountain Lake, where he frequently delighted in tinkering with the house and working on the landscape.
Brad's devotion and sincerity are some of his most admirable qualities. His thoughts and actions were intentional and in accord with his firm beliefs and values. He was exceptionally responsible and reliable. His laughter and quick wit had a magnetic pull which endeared him to everyone. His genuine smile and a twinkle in his August sky blue eyes were irresistible. He was playful, creative and easy to please. His strong presence and empathy for others led him to mentor people he worked with, even becoming a "surrogate" dad to some. He loved his family and was adored by wife, Anna, and by his son, John Michael. He was the son Anna's mother, Sophie, never had, and he loved her as if she were his mother. All who experienced his friendship have stories to share that reveal his sunny, mischievous sense of humor.
Loving Modesto and believing in a community that takes care of its people, Brad always made time for community activities, including serving on City of Modesto housing committees spanning nearly two decades, as a board member of The McHenry Mansion and as a long-time member of Modesto Rotary.
Brad is survived by his wife of 30 years, Anna Pagonis-Pitts, with whom he made a lifetime of beautiful and treasured memories. Their relationship has been one of enduring love, respect and admiration for one another. He is also survived by his son, John Michael Smolak; sister, Trudy Stone; grandson, Landen Smolak; sister-in-law, Helen Alexander and three nephews, Nicholas (Jennifer), Daniel and Christopher (Kaleena) Alexander.
Given that Brad loved the Modesto community, those wishing to make donations in his honor may consider support local nonprofits including the Modesto Rotary Club Foundation, the McHenry Mansion, The State Theater, or the Gallo Center for the Arts.