Mr. Jacob "Jay" "Jake" Paul Kitch

Kitch Jacob "Jay" "Jake" Paul Kitch, age 72, of 3449 Mount Joy Rd. Mount Joy, PA, passed away on Friday, April 29, 2011, at his residence. Born in Lancaster, he was the son of the late Jacob Paul and Elizabeth A. Yost Kitch. He and his wife, Tasna Tamarree Kitch, celebrated their 24th wedding anniversary in March 2011. Jacob was a graduate of J. P. McCaskey High School, class of 1956 and attended Steven's Trade School. He retired in 1993 as sales manager of the men's and children's clothing and shoe departments at Sears, Park City. He was employed there from 1961-1993. Jacob received the Top Salesmen and Division Manager Award for the East Coast, in the TV department from 1968-69. His award was a trip to travel to Anaheim, California. Jacob was a member of the Lancaster Elks Lodge #134 for 29 years, Lancaster Liederkranz for 22 years, the Mt Joy V.F.W. Post 5752 and a former member of the Cosmopolitan Club of Lancaster. He was a coin collector and a former member of the Red Rose Coin Club. He also enjoyed gardening, reading, playing pool, and building his own computer. After his retirement, Jacob built his current home. In addition to his wife, Jacob is survived by a son Robert Paul Kitch, of Scranton; daughter Sandra Ellen Kitch; four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; a brother Wayne Kitch, husband of Vicki, of Strasburg and a sister Wanda, wife of John Misdeo, of Lititz. Preceding Jacob in death was a brother Terry Thomas Kitch. Jay enjoyed the annual trip (except the 30 hours traveling time) to Bangkok, Thailand with his wife, Tasna, to visit her family. In Thailand, he visited the famous Emerald Buddha Temple, Phuket (before tsunami hit), Kao Samui (his favorite island), Chiangmai (where the king has his summer palace), the famous Golden Triangle, Ruby mine and many exotic restaurants. He loved Tasna's family, Thai foods and the Thais. In USA, he enjoyed traveling with Tasna to medical conventions around the country. He loved learning about new developments in medicine, through lectures and exhibits. He enjoyed visiting Zoos and museums while Tasna was attending scientific lectures and workshops. At home, Jay enjoyed working around the house which he built for Tasna (the Thai house) after he retired. His hobbies were checking stock markets, cultivated gardens for Tasna to plant vegetables and flowers, trimmed and planted trees and bushes. He enjoyed "Happy Hours", drinking beer with Tasna and his friends at Lancaster Liederkranz where chef Dietrich always had specially prepared seafood dinners for him and Tasna. Jay also enjoyed spending time with his friends watching football games. He was an avid fan of Penn State. His favorite NFL teams were the Philadelphia Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers. Jay loved inviting his close friends to "Welcome Spring Party" at his house. He enjoyed visits from friends and families. He loved cooking and was very good at it. He was intelligent and had great knowledge in housing, stock markets, traveling and cooking. He loved working on his cars. He was a beloved husband and father. Jay Kitch (Jake) was a wonderful husband, father and friend. Everyone was touched by his brilliant ideas and advices. A generous and giving man, he was loved and respected by everyone who knew him. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Jacob's Life Celebration Funeral Service at the Funeral Home of Fred F. Groff, Inc., 234 W. Orange St., Lancaster, PA, on Wednesday at 11:30 AM with Pastor Norman G. Shenk and Chaplain Jean K. Shenk officiating. Interment will be in Mellinger's Mennonite Cemetery. Friends may call at the Funeral Home on Tuesday from 6-8 PM and on Wednesday from 10:30 AM until time of service. To share your fondest memory of Jacob visit www.lifecelebration.com Fred F. Groff, Inc. 234 W. Orange St. Lancaster, PA 397-8255