Joseph A. Stitt

I can't believe it has been 20 years since you left us. So much has happened that you missed out on, altough I feel like you are keeping track of us! Your boys have grown into wonderful men. It has been nice to keep up with them as they grew up with Terri being mother and father. She did a great job! Still miss you and think about you. In our hearts forever Joe.

Can't believe the 17th anniversary of Joe's death is nearing. Seems like only a couple years ago we worked at the Sun Newspapers together. I would then bump into him when we'd be covering the same game, even though I was at another paper. Every year, I loose 1-2 friends and it really hurts. Even after 17 years, Joe's passing continues to hurt because he was such a great person to be around. He was funny, sincere, very intelligent, an excellent writer and a trustworthy friend. He's at peace now but is very much missed. I hope he's bumped into The Bearded Man up there and they've had a couple of beers on me. Can't wait to bump into both of them again. Always, Bob "Fish" Fortuna

I still miss Joe.

TO MY BROTHER BY ANOTHER MOTHER



FOR THE SEEMINGLY ENDLESS CAMPFIRE NIGHTS DREAMING OF YESTERDAYS AND ALWAYS TOMORROWS TO THE TUNES OF SEGER, DYLAN, AND MEATLOAF. THANK YOU.



FOR YOUR CONSTANT INSIGHT INTO THE SPORTS WORLD YOU SO LOVED. THANK YOU.



FOR YOUR EXAMPLE OF PATIENCE, CARING AND COMPASSION FOR ALL CHILDREN IN THEIR SPORTS ENDEAVORS.

THANK YOU.



FOR THE EXAMPLE YOU SET FOR ALL FATHERS AND HUSBANDS. THERE ARE NO BETTER. THANK YOU.



FOR ALL THE GOOD TIMES YOU MADE HAPPEN EVEN WITH THE BURDEN YOU CARRIED. YOU TAUGHT ME TO LIVE EACH DAY TO THE FULLEST. THANK YOU.



FOR YOUR LAUGHTER AND HUMOUR EVEN THAT LAST NIGHT FROM YOUR HOSPITAL BED. THANK YOU.



FOR YOUR BRAVERY. I HAVE WORKED WITH MANY BRAVE MEN IN MY CAREER. YOU MY BROTHER ARE ONE OF THE MOST COURAGEOUS I HAVE EVER MET. YOU MET YOU CHALLENGE DAILY FOR OVER THREE YEARS YET YOU NEVER BURDENED EVEN YOUR CLOSEST FRIENDS OR FAMILY. FOR YOUR EXAMPLE OF BRAVERY AND LIVING LIFE TO THE FULLEST, THANK YOU.



FINALLY, THE MEMORIES ARE MORE THAN I CAN MENTION. YOU HAVE CHANGED THE LIVES OF SO MANY. YOUNG AND OLD. YOU HAVE TOUCHED EVERY ONE IN MY FAMILY DEEPLY. YOU ARE GONE FROM THIS LIFE BUT WITH US IN THE NEXT. YET I FEEL YOUR PRESENCE IN THIS LIFE SO STRONGLY. I KNOW YOU ARE HERE FOR ALL OF US. THE FEELING IS SO STRONG I CAN'T REALLY SAY GOOD BYE. WHAT I CAN DO IS BUILD A CAMPFIRE, PUT ON BOB SEGER'S GREATEST HITS AND REMINISCE. ITS THEN I CAN EVEN SEE YOUR SMILING FACE BY THE FIRELIGHT. THANK YOU GOD FOR THE LIFE OF JOE STITT.





WE MISS YOU.

YOUR BROTHER BY ANOTHER MOTHER

"The flame which burns twice as bright burns half as long."



Joe, thanks for lighting up our world, so brightly... albeit for too short a period.



Thank God for the life of Joe Stitt!

"Life isn't a matter of milestones,

but of moments."

Rose Kennedy



Can't you just hear Joe say these words which follow?



I DO GIVE THANKS.... For every hill...



For every hill I've had to climb,

for every stone that bruised my feet,

for all the blood and sweat and grime,

for blinding storms and burning heat

My heart sings but a grateful song --

These were the things that made me strong!



For all the heartaches and the tears,

for all the anguish and the pain,

for gloomy days and fruitless years,

and for the hopes that lived in vain,

I do give thanks, for now I know

These were the things that helped me grow!



'Tis not the softer things of life

which stimulate man's will to strive;

but leak adversity and strife

do most to keep man's will alive,

o'er rose-strewn paths the weaklings creep,

but brave hears dare to climb the steep.



Author unknown



God bless you, Joe!

You touched so many lives.

And isn't that what we're put here on earth to do? You just were more efficient (and effective) than the rest of us!

My prayers and love to ALL your families -- especially at this time of year.

Your legacy lives on!

We have been deeply saddened to learn of Joe's death.



We both have strong and positive memories of Joe. Sue from a childhood spent playing with the Stitt's in their neighborhood, and Gary from days playing basketball with Joe as Berea Braves ('79-'80). Then all of us attending Bowling Green State University.



While neither of us had much connection with Joe in the years since college, it is obvious from the many tributes written on these pages, and in the Sun Newspapers, that Joe had a tremendous impact on many, many lives. That legacy will no doubt live on and bring comfort to his family and friends.



Our hearts go out to the entire Stitt and Knapik families.

When I first met Joe, he was still in high school. He had a water polo cap on his head and made me feel like a part of the family with his good-natured joking and goofing around.

I only saw him a few times over the last twenty or so years but I always felt like we were friends. He was one of the most personable people I've ever met. I'll always remember him playing with all the kids at family gatherings and how happy he made them - quite the Dad, Uncle and role model.

My sympathies to all who loved and cared for him.



Lesley's Ray

Lesley I just wanted to offer my sympathy to you and your family. I read of Joe in the Brunswick Sun Newspaper. You and your are in my prayers. Your high-school friend. Leslea

I knew Mr.Stitt through the basketball camps he taught,the pep rallies, and the award ceremonies. He got me into the sport of basketball! Even though Mr.Stitt could not make every game before but now he is able too! He will be watching over every team as they play. Whenever I saw Mr.Stitt he was always smiling! You and your family are in my thoughts and my prayers.

This song goes out to Mr. Stitt.



Take me out to the ball game,take me out to the croud. Buy me some peanuts and cracker jacks, I dont care if I ever get back. For its root,root,root for the home team. If they dont win its a shame. For its one,two,three strikes your out at the old ball gggggaaaaammmmmeeeee.

I went to school with Joe but knew him mostly through my sister, Krissy. I remember Joe as being a sweet, cute guy. I now have come to learn what a remarkable person he was through what I have read about him. As a mother, wife, and member or a close knit family myself, my hearts break for Joe's entire extended family. Take care and God bless.

One day I am looking for a dress to our school dance,ext day I am looking for dress to go to hisfuneral.One day I am having a conversation with him, the next day he is gone. One day I am paying basketball with him, the next day he isgone. It all happened so fat, why did it happen at all? What did he do to deserve tis, he did nothing at all. We need to realise that's where we are wrong, Mr. Stitt did his jb on this here earth, & he did it very well. He was one of te best guys i have ever met, the best one all. He will always be watchig over us, & he will be ready to catch us when we fall. He will be waiting for us to join him, & I know that he will be waitig with a ball. For that was one of the many highlights of his life. He had a lot of knowledge about the game, & at first he shared it wth little boys that he did not know, but more they learned, faster they grew, taller & smarter too. Thi all happenedbecause of one man believe it or not. If not fr Mr. Stitt those boys would never have learned the basics of basketball, but more importantly the basics of life. He taught them everything they know. He was a wonderful peron; no one could doubt that.We all love him & we cry, & i wonder why because i know the secret of not being sad...I know that Mr. Stitt met Jesus that day. That horible day that some of our world's stopped turning, & the day heaven recived a new angel. The thing we need to remember is that Jesus took away all the pains , h took away the cross Joe had been bearing for years, & he lead him home where he can play basketball again. Here on earth he did his sjob, he went over& above.He now has his reward; & I haven't a doubt in my mind that he is watching all of us from up aove. He tll u not to cry because he i happier than he has evr been.

Good old Mr. Stitt, we will never ever forget th knowledge you shared with us. We ask you to be with us always, & to promise to never leave our side. All of us need you although we know we wont be able to see you with our eyes, we know you will be there no matter wha, because you would never leve without saying good bye. You were strong though i all & you askus to be strong too. I will try although I may cry, I will do as you ask & othes will too. We miss you Mr. Stitt & we all love you!

THIS IS PATRICK O'MALLEY. I KNOW MR. STITT FROM BASKETBALL, AND MY FEELINGS GO TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS.









PATRICK O'MALLEY

Even though I only knew Mr.Stitt for a short while he was a good man.During a camp I attended with Justin Labuda and a few other class mates that have recently played basketball for ST. MARYS every time I came he would always come and greet me.If somthing went wrong for me he would always give me advice of how to do better the next time around.Once I was playing Knock Out against Justin Labuda and I won by a point 10-9 he came and congradgulated me and shook my hand.I wish I would have continued to play basketball and I regret it too.I played once in 1995.I remember Mr.Stitt had a good heart.Like when ever one of us got hurt or didn't do somthing right he always helped us.Also during camp on of the assistant coaches got hurt and E.M.S. had to come.He stayed by him and waited till they got there.Also I had a hard time doing a drill and I was about to give up when he said,"Keep trying A.J. you'll get it."That was one of my great memories of Mr.Stitt.My prayers go out to Carter,Joey and Mrs.Stitt.I will keep all of you in my prayers.

Dear Stitt Family,

I am Lesley's sister-in-law.

My sincere condolences to all. Though I never met Joe, my heart aches for each of you. I can only imagine the grief you are experiencing at this time.

Losing a son, a husband, a father, or brother is truly a heartbreaking event.

I'm sure, like many others, I just don't have the words of comfort to send.

Many blessings to the entire family. May God comfort each of you in this time of loss.

THIS IS JUSTIN LABUDA. I KNOW MR. STITT THROUGH THE BASKETBALL PROGRAM AT ST. MARYS SCHOOL IN BEREA. MR.STITT IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE BASKETBALL COACHES. HE TAUGHT ME HOW TO DO MANY THINGS. LIKE BALL HANDILING AND SHOOTING FREE-THROWS. I REALLY MISS MR. STITT. AL MY FEELINGS GO OUT TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS. HE WILL ALWAYS BE IN MY PRAYERS



JUSTIN LABUDA

My last image of Joe is his playing repeated games of "gotch your nose" with my son Tyler one Sunday at Grandma's. He was such an awesome family guy. I regret not knowing my "Uncle Joe" as well as I should have. I am sad that my boys won't get the chance to either. I know he brought a great deal of happiness to our family. Terri, Joey and Carter, I am so very sorry for your loss. We are here should you ever need anything.

I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. I have followed Joe Stitt through his column in the Sun Newspaper. He will be missed.

I'm sickened by the loss of Joe. I feel horrible for his entire family and what they must be going through. I was Joe's prom date back in '81. We went our separate ways, so I haven't talked to him in years, although I did see him at our 15-year class reunion. He still looked the same, all that curly hair and that sweet smile.



I have some of my own memories that I will absolutely never forget. Every time I hear the "Devil Went Down to Georgia" by the Charlie Daniels Band and "You Really Got Me" by Van Halen, I think of those Saturday-morning bus rides to cross-country meets with those songs blaring. TDFB!



This is devastating. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife and children.

Dear Terri,



I was so glad that I was able to attend Joe's viewing. Living out of the area seems to have it's disadvantages when it comes to news (good and bad). Hearing of Joe's passing stopped me cold in my tracks. It was just yesterday when we all thought that nothing in this world could stop us. In school we all hung out together at one time or another. For me it was quite often. We would spend hours in Dave Kavanders basement playing pool and listening to music. Joe was always fun to be around and could keep peace when needed. One of my first memories of Joe was the nickname he was given by all of us. McStitt. We all ate at McDonalds way too much. I keep reading all of these great stories of Joe and what a great husband and father he was. It is great to see a little guy from Berea turn out to be a huge success if life and all that he did. Hurray for the Stitts, Knapiks, St. Mary's, News Sun for sharing Joe Stitt with us. My prayers and thoughts are with all of you.



David Matolyak

When I first heard of Joe's Passing on Saturday evening by way of a call from a mutual freind, I hung the phone up and began to shed tears for a lost freind.

But the tears lasted only for a few minutes, for a memory of Joe Stitt came into the vision of my minds eye, and I began to smile. The Picture of Joe and that big, goofy smile of his coupled with the loud and infectuos laugh of his overwhelmed me.

It was not in Joe's nature to not laugh. His sense of humor was probably his most endearing quality, next to his devotion to his family; Terri, Joey,and Carter.

I have known Joe since High School and will continue to know Joe through some very great memories. I'll miss him, and I will still cry once in a while. But mostly, I think I'll hear his laugh in my head, and I won't be able to contain my smile. Joes short life was a blessing to those who knew him, nd the world is a much better place for having Joe here for that time.

My love and sympathy to Terri , Joe, and Carter, and the Stitt and Knapik families.

Bruce Akins

My name is Tammy Coletta, and I got to know Joe as my sons basketball coach. Carter was in my sons class at St. Mary's. We no longer attend St. Mary's, and just today heard the news about Joe. Terri sorry we missed everything but we did not know about Joe. Are thoughts and prayers go out to your family. Joe was a GREAT basketball coach, and truley loved all the boys he coached. I am very, very proud to say that I knew Joe. He will be missed.

I only knew Joe as a sportswriter, but the way he handled his job with dignity and respect would indicate what kind of person he was away from his job. Every monday morning I would talk to Joe about the trials and tribulations of my Padua Hockey Team. Not once did he mention his trials and tribulations.Joe's memory will always "hang in the rafters" of this coaches mind. Thank you Joe!

To the family of Joe my heartfelt sympathy.



Doug Hauser

Padua Franciscan

High School Hockey Coach

Having been interested in baseball since I was a little girl, I always loved to hear Uncle Joe tell his many stories or just hear him talk about what was happening that season in baseball. I remember going to his house one time and seeing his new baseball room that he had set up. I was in such awe as I looked around at the many things he had gathered and arranged there. Within a few weeks, I had set up my own little area in my room with all the baseball things I owned. I was trying to be like Uncle Joe and have this awesome place to go to and get lost in the history - and present time - of my favorite sport. But it's not just the love for baseball that made me feel connected to my uncle, it was more than that. I saw how he treated everyone around him and how happy he always was. I know his life and energy rubbed off on those he came in contact with. He would always take care of us baseball fans when we came to town, getting us tickets for a sold-out Indians game... although I have not had a fraction of the amount of time with Uncle Joe that many others have, I know that he still made an impact in my life... putting a desire in me to try even harder in sports, keeping me more and more interested in what was going on. Plus I could always see a resemblance between him and his older brother, my dad, which made him feel even more familiar to me than he already was. I will miss you Uncle Joe. Thank you for everything.

I knew Joe during his years at Berea High School. Joe was always fun to be around. There are no words of comfort for you at this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

My deepest sympathy to the Stitt family. My thoughts are with you. I'd like to share a lighthearted story about Joe. We were both in Mrs. Davidson's fourth grade class at Smith Elementary School. One of his sisters (I'm sorry, I don't remember which one) was having a baby. Now in those days the boys and girls in our class were very much at odds with one another. So naturally the girls in the class wanted the baby to be a girl and the boys in the class wanted the baby to be a boy. After the big event Joe came to class and proudly announced that the child was a boy. The boys in our class declared victory and the girls were silenced. Not long after, one of our classmates discovered that the child in fact was a GIRL! Well, I'm sure you can all imagine the sound of every girl in our class razzing Joe about this for the rest of the school year. Today, the girls of Mrs. Davidson's fourth grade class owe Joe thanks for his support of girls sports. He will be missed.

I have an image inbedded in my mind about my fallen hero. A little scrawny kid with long, curly hair. The last time I've seen Joe was over 20 years ago. I never got to know him as we both grew older. I found out later he turned out to be one heck of a father, husband and a great man. He comes from a wonderful background as has associated himself with great people. I will miss him dearly. God bless Joe and his family. I love you Joe.

As I sit rocking my little girl to sleep, I realize that she has no idea that a vital piece of our family has been ripped away. Nor does she see all of the broken hearts around her.

She will never get to see Big Joe belt out "Eagles Wings" after church, or "Paradise by the Dashboard Lights" at a wedding. She will never get to see Papa yell at Uncle Joe for "groping" Aunt Terri yet again. Or play hide and go seek in the backyard around the campfire in Uncle Joe's back yard.

There are so many memories --most with laughter. I feel honored to have had this classy man as a brother for so many years and miss him terribly already.

Friday nights will never be the same. The laughs, the stories, the coaches, players and fans. Beside his family that is what Joe loved best.I loved this man and I miss him dearly. Even though we said good bye today, Joe will always be in my heart. My thoughs and prayers are with Terri, Joey, Carter, The Stitt's and Knapiks. You are all one great family. Thanks for always including me. Dom DiPasqua/Sun Newspapers

Our hearts are broken. He was our brother, our neighbor, and our friend. We will miss you Big Joe.

Joe was my brother. I will miss him deeply.

To the Stitt Family,

We were so saddened to hear of

the passing of Joe. Our thoughts and

prayers be with you, on this very sad day in your life. We are in Fla

for the winter, but wanted you to know we are very saddened. May the

Lord be with all of you today.

Love,

In Jesus name

Bill and Evelyn

Ridgeway

I only knew Joe a very short while. I found him to be friendly, helpful and a dynamic leader.



The St. Mary's Athletic Commission has lost a great President.



My sincerest condolences to the entire Stitt family.



I wish I had the chance to know him better.



Rest in peace, Joe.

With deepest sadness -our thoughts

are with you and your family at what

must be the most difficult time in most of your lives.

Melissa and Meredith Meresko

The day this bold young man married,

our daughter, he was a little uneasy

on what to call his new Mother-in-Law. I said you can call me Mrs. K, you can call me mom, but you had better never call me the Weezer. Big Mistake; From then I was "The Weezer". Which became an endearment to me. He said his big job was to make my daughter happy. He has fulfilled this a Thousand Fold, and We loved him for that. And we love him like a son. I thank God for the gift of Joe.

Love The Weezer

The Game of Life

as taught by Coach Stitt

He walked onto the court

an orange ball in his hand

a group of young boys waited

for his first command

"You can learn by listening,

by watching, and by doing."

he said

"If we play as a team

we will beat every obstacle that

lies ahead"

TEAMWORK

He tossed them the ball,

and he played the game with them. He laughed and smiled,

and he got them to listen.

Then he began to teach them,

though they didn't know they were learning.

Every aspect of the game,

and all the problems concerning.

He taught them to love the game

by his enjoyment when playing

He taught them love for the Lord

by bringing them together and

praying.

He taught them to laugh,

even when the loss was hard to take He taught them to go on,

and learn from their mistakes.

His favorite word was TEAM,

and he used it alot.

"You are never alone,

the whole team takes each shot"

He taught them to rejoice for

each other

by rejoicing with them.

To be tolerant of others

and not to condemn.

The team lost, and then they tied,

and soon began winning.

These boys were now men.

Thanks to his strong beginning.

Then when no one was looking,

a huge foul was committed

How could this happen?

Why was it permitted?

Yet coach kept on teaching

the lessons more important than

before.

Not boys playing a game,

But a man, fighting a war.

He taught them humility

by accepting his cross

By controlling the game,

delaying the loss

The game may have ended

but the seasons just begun.

From the team,

to the coach

"Good game,Very well done!"

I'm cutting the grass and there is an unexpected honk. It's my brother-in-law Joe, racing down the street taking Joey and Carter to some unknown event. Not a moment to waste. Countless times as I was walking or driving in Berea, the Stitt car would pass by or I would catch a glimpse of Joe at a distant interesection racing the boys to the next event.For years to come I'll see a car off in the distance, with Joe at the wheel, running the race that was his legacy.

I've known the Stitt Family my entire life. The memories, growing up in Berea, St. Mary's School, our families vacationing together. Their strength as a family forever visible, May Gods Love and Strength be with all of you now!

Joe Stitt was simply just an awesome man all the way around. I just feel extremely blessed to have known him the past 15 years.

It was an honor to work with him for eight years that our paths coincided at Sun Newspapers. Even after I went to the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram in mid-1994, we still stayed in touch. Even though it was never quite the same as working with him, we could still talk shop and clown around just as if we still worked together. It was a special bond to have been associated with Joe.

My best memories with Joe were covering state high school tournaments, particularly the state track and field meet. We always seem to find some new way to double-team/torment Paul Svigel with nostalgic talk about state high school track meets of yesteryear. We always had a blast together.

While we had a lot of fun in those moments, Joe never let the fun interfere with craft. He exceled in his trade and was one of the best in the business. Even this year, I still picked up ideas just listening to Joe interview athletes at the state track meet. He was great at relating to the high school kids.

Joe and I last shared the same assignment together on Nov. 24. We covered the Berea-Westlake girls basketball game at Westlake. We talked about a lot of different things throughout the game. I never would have imagined that that would be my last time together with Joe. But I'll always treasure that day, as well as many of the other ones dating back to 1986.

Joe was a class act and touched so many lives in a positive way.

My heart goes out to you Terri, as well as Joey and Carter, Joe's siblings and his parents. I'm so glad to have been associated with Joe! He was special!



God bless!

Paul Heyse

The Elyria Chronicle-Telegram

Dear Stitt Family,

You are all in our prayers at this sorrowful time. May the wonderful memories of a lovely devoted family man live forever in your hearts as it will in ours. God Bless.

The Lewis Family

To the Stitt Family--



My thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time. May God Bless all of you.



I work in the B-W Sports Information Office, and I knew Joe for the work that he did to publicize the B-W student-athletes.



What I remember most about Joe was when he brought his two boys with him to the high school basketball tournaments games at B-W. I always thought of myself at the age of the boys--I followed my dad everywhere he went to cover sporting events.



I will continue to pray for the entire Stitt Family in the coming weeks during this holiday season.



GOD BLESS!!

I first met Joe back in 1987, he was a fellow Berean and I was a high school athlete that he was interviewing. I recognized Joe from church at St. Marys, but had never talked to him before then. The thing that amazed me about Joe was that he was one of only a few writers that ever followed up on me. I graduated from High School in 1989 and never heard again from most Cleveland writers. I attended college in North Carolina and three years later was drafted by the New York Yankees. Iremember Joe calling me at least once a year to check in on my progress, and was amazed to find him turn up in places like Oneonta, NY, Greensboro, NC and Canton Ohio. Long after most writers had forgotten about me, Joe kept tabs on my 8 years of minor league, small towm obscurity. I think he enjoyed following my progress, because 80% of our conversations were never printed, just catching up and talking baseball. Ill miss not getting a phone call this summer from Joe. My condolences to his wife and all of his family. He will be missed.

When Joe first landed a position as a sports reporter with Sun Newspapers about 1985, I was first boss. But I can't take any credit for instilling the drive he had for success. He came to me with that. I was immediately impressed with his intensity. I knew I had one of the best sports writers around working for me. He was later transferred to another office, but I still worked with him on special projects.

Then some three years ago or so, we would begin another project that we would work on, although we might not have known it at the time. We both became cancer patients, Joe first, and then me.

I remember Joe and I "talking shop," not the shop talk about newspaper reporting, but about blood line ports, chemotherapy and side effects. We each had very different kinds of cancer but we had an immediate bond. I could feel the vibrations of his courage and bravery.

Joe gave me courage and inspiration to face my illness. Soon after I was able to go back to work, I attended an annual company banquet. There I was, speaking to everyone on how I was glad to be alive and to be back at work -- bald as a billiard ball.

When it was Joe's time to speak, he remarked, "And I'd like to say to Dennis, don't worry, it grows back!"

That was just like the Joe we loved so much. Making nothing of his situation, but encouraging others to push on.

I still feel those vibrations, telling me to hang in there.

Joe, I'm going to keep working on our special project, you can be sure.

I was immensely saddened to hear of Joe's passing, and I also regret that I will still be out of the country for his service. Please know that my thoughts and prayers will be with you, Terri, and with all our family. I would not have placed faith in anyone more than Joe to be able to overcome this adversity; we can all take heart from his spirit and vivacity in the face of the most difficult of circumstances.

Of course, I admired Joe in numerous ways, but two stand out and are worth mentioning. First, I know that Joe found what he loved to do in life, and, correspondingly, his energy and enthusiasm shone and touched us all. I take heart in knowing that while so many people struggle to find their passion and their way, Joe connected with the essence of life and found his, even in too few years. And second, as a young man I cannot help but admire Joe, not just the sports nut or the child at heart, but for his fatherly presence, one which will serve Joey and Carter in innumerable ways for years to come. In that, too, he stands an example to us all.

Until I next see you all, you have my most heartfelt condolences.



Charlie

St Andrews, Scotland

"atque in perpetuum, avuncule, ave atque vale" -- "and in perpetuity, uncle, good-bye and fare-well."

(Apologies to Catullus)

To: The Stitt Family

What I will remember most about Joe is his easy going natural leadership abilities. I was always

hopeful that he would coach one of my children's sports teams. Joe organized the St. Mary's Summer Boys/Girls Basketball camp for 2

weeks. He loved it! Talked about it alot. He also took some vacation time to run it. Joe was instramental

in supporting our Sister Parish, St. Stephens athletic program. I could go on and on but I would run out of room. Joe is an inspiration to all the kids he touched. We have very few role models today, but Joe lived his positive role. Most of the

time we never new when he was sick, he just actively lived. The first year Joe was sick, I remember him saying "This was the best year of my life, because I really lived it to the fullest. He didn't take life for granted. Thank you Joe for touching my life.

So many words come to mind when I think of Joe, but the one that continually surfaces is "brave." I was Joe's boss at the Berea office for many years. I watched him travel his journey with courage and bravery that is unmatched.

Joe was an inspiration throughout his illness. He was always positive and upbeat. And he faced the inevitable with grace and dignity.

Terri, please know how much the entire Berea office cared about Joe.

He was not just an employee, he was a member of the family.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Joe, you will never be forgotten. We have lots of pictures and movies from our days on Wallace Drive. We love you, Joe. Rest in peace.

We are deeply saddened by the loss of Joe. He was such a brave, giving, selfless person. His commitment to his family, community, and church will be remembered. Our thoughts are with you all and we will keep you in our prayers. God Bless you and give you the strength to remember him with a smile.

Terri, There are no words. We all loved Joe. I never met a finer man and could never show enough appreciation for all he did for Ray. His love for life and sports and his dignified manor has been the ultimate example to all of us.

Your courage is unbelievable. Please call me if there is anything at all that I can do to lighten your load. My prayers are with you., Lori

Dear Stitt family,



Please accept my prayful condolences.



I worked with Joe in Berea. He sat next to me. He was not only the best sports writer & editor I

knew but also the hardest typist! I'll miss hearing those computer keys while I'm interviewing someone on the phone. I will miss our almost daily discussions on Title IX.



He enjoyed his job, cherished covering sports and loved watching and writing about young athletes who performed well on and off the field. But most of all, he loved life and his family! He is truly an example for us all.



God gave Joe an early deadline to meet. He met it with integrity, dedication and honor.



Joe, we miss you.