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Costa "Pop" Kittles

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Florida A&M University Ohio State University

Costa Kittles Obituary

Costa Kittles Costa "Pop" Kittles, 76, a former coach and professor at Florida A& M University, died Friday, Feb. 21, 2003. He is survived by his wife, Emma Kittles. The service will be at 11 a.m. EST Wednesday at St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church in Tallahassee, with burial at Tallahassee Memory Gardens. Family will receive friends from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. EST today at Strong & Jones Funeral Home chapel (224-2139). He was a member of St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church. He was also a member the FAMU Hall of Fame and All American Varsity F Club. A native of Jacksonville, he starred in football and baseball at FAMU during the late 1940s and 1950s. Kittles graduated from FAMU in 1951 and went on to earn a master's degree from Ohio State University in 1953. He returned to FAMU as an assistant football coach and education instructor. He served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Kittles retired from coaching in 1982 and retired as a professor in 1985. In 1999, FAMU honored Kittles when the baseball field was named after him and his former coach. Other survivors include a daughter, Costina Kittles of Owings Mills, Md.; two sisters, Hiawatha Kittles of Chicago and Clorinda Isaac of Bloomfield Hills, Mich.; two nephews, Dr. Herbert Isaac II of Detroit and Thadeus Kittles of Bowie, Md.; two nieces, Dr. Lajuana Isaac of Pontiac, Mich., and Cassandra Evans of Atlanta; a grandniece, Veola Thomas of Pontiac; two cousins, James Neal of Ann Arbor, Mich., and Carrie Kinkaid of Jacksonville; and a host of other nieces, nephews and relatives.

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Published by Tallahassee Democrat on Feb. 25, 2003.

Memories and Condolences
for Costa Kittles

15 Entries

Waymond Mack

February 27, 2003

Coach, I always admired you as a person, as a father and as a coach. You seemed to have placed a premium on your family life, placing all else second. I always wished for the opportunity to play for you; but, was never in the right place at the right time. I send sympothy to your family from the Mack family, we believe your mark on life will last forever. Save me a spot on your next team, I pray to see you up there, and maybe play for you,in the next life.

O.J. Bradley & Family

February 27, 2003

We extend our deepest sympathy to the Kittles Family... "Pop" impacted the lives of so many people...especially young African American men(athletes)...he will be greatly missed but never forgotten. The codes of conduct he taught those of us who played for him will live in us forever....along with the legend we will forever refer to as "Pop" Kittles.
God Bless you all.

Velmadyne S. Bryant

February 27, 2003

May the blessings of God be forever bestowed upon Coach Kittles' family. I had the honor of knowing Coach Kittles, through his teaching on FAMU's campus. It is with fond memories that Coach was not only a teacher, but also a father figure.

There is a quote that was written by: Ursula K. LeGuin, that I think really describes the life that Coach Kittles lead, "It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters, in the end." Coach Kittles provided us all with a legacy in which to live by. He wll be deeply missed.

Dr. Barbara A. Harden-Williams

February 27, 2003

Dr. Emma Kittles & Costina: Sorry Coach Kittles had to leave both of you for a while, but remember this to shall past, and you will be with Costa again. So, until then, remember his smile, remember the things that made him happy, his vigor, his humor, and his love for each of you. Think of all the good times with Costa and this will see you through. Peace be with you.

Andrew Merkerson

February 26, 2003

My prayer goes out to Coach "PoP" Kittles family , he will always be a special part of my life and I will cherish everything he stood for. ( "MERK" )

Frederick Jordan

February 26, 2003

Our deepest sympathy is extended from our family to yours. "Coach" will be missed. But most of all Hannah has lost someone dear to her heart. May God bless you during this time of sorrow.

The Jordans and Hamiltons

Keith Miles

February 26, 2003

To the Kittles Family:

Our deepest sympathy and prayers are with you.

Mrs. Willie Mae Miles, Kaylor and Keith

Gerald Crawford

February 26, 2003

My Love and sympathy to the family and friends of Pop Kittles. Pop will be missed as he provided a father figure to me and countless other students and athletes at FAMU. I was fortunate to see and photograph him and his family this past football season. God Bless.

samuel miller

February 25, 2003

My prayer goes out to Coach kittles family , he will always be a special part of my life and I will cherish everything he stood for.

Jackie Lucas Surrency

February 25, 2003

Mrs. Kittles & Family: From my family to yours, we are sorry for your lose. Costa "Pop" Kittles will be greatly missed by many, who was a beautiful spirit that touched many, many lives as he passed along this way. Take care of yourself and remember that God has welcome him into his kingdom and all is well with his soul.

Sadly missed.

The Jackie Lucas Surrency Family

Martha Adeyemo

February 25, 2003

To Mrs. Kittles, Costina and family --

Tenderly… may God's love heal your sorrow. Gently… may the prayers of friends ease your hurting. Softly… may God's peace replace your heartache with warm and loving memories.

May you find comfort in knowing your loved one is with God -- resting in perfect peace.

The Whitehurst Family

David Greene

February 25, 2003

To the family of Coach "Pop" Kittles ... for those that new and respected Coach Kittles, we have all experienced a major, major loss with his passing. He was truly a source of inspiration. May he rest in peace, forever more. My deepest sympathy to the family.

Barbara Anders

February 25, 2003

It is with deepest sympathy that we extend our condolences to the family of Coach Kittles. We have such respect for his contributions to the FAMU and broader Florida communities. He influenced many lives and will be missed. Our prayers are with you and your family.

Sincerely,

James and Barbara Edwards Anders

Dawn Freeman

February 25, 2003

Emma Kittles

May the Lord comfort and keep you in the time of need.

Dawn,Chenee'& Tangy

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