Dan Pittillo

On behalf of the entire Berea College community, I write to mourn the loss of a beloved Berea alum. I send sincere condolences from 21,000 Berea College alumni. With deepest sympathy, Chad Berry, Vice President for Alumni, Communications and Philanthropy

We are so very thankful to have known Dan and to call him friend. His love of God´s creation was inspirational.

We at Circles of Jackson County were honored to be one of the nonprofits Dan supported. He was a true gentleman of these mountains and will be missed.

I´ve known Dan for several years now. I met him as his handy man and plumber. A couple years ago I moved next door. It´s been really amazing being Dan´s neighbor. My children and I have had many moments with him. He was always teaching. He once gave my daughter a squash and explained to her that she could grow this squash for years to come from the seeds gathered each year. My son and I had the opportunity to help him with his last vegetable garden. Honestly, it was an honor to do so. We live in his home up on the hill above his cottage. This is the home he raised his family in. I literally walk in his steps. I will always remember him, I will do my best to be a steward of Appalachia as he wished for us. Thanks Dr Dan for all you inspired.

Dan was a truly good man an an excellent scientist and teacher. This is a loss that leaves a void that will go unfilled for many years. Sympathies to the family.

I owe my career as an independent botanist to Dan, who provided me with an assistantship to work on the Blue Ridge Parkway. He also provided me with the training I needed to succeed. He was a very hard working individual and very generous with his time. No one has done more to help with plant conservation than Dan.