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FUNERAL HOME

Aram Bedrosian Funeral Home

558 Mount Auburn Street

Watertown, Massachusetts

Donald Kittle Obituary

Kittle, Donald Allen,64, of Watertown, died Sunday, March 8, 2015 at home surrounded by family, following a brief battle with cancer. He was employed by Davis Monument for over forty years. He also had been a basketball and baseball coach in the Belmont school system for twenty years. Don was an avid musician and one of the original members of the New England Brass Band. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Jackie; two sons, Justin and his wife Cristin and Brad and his wife Jenni of Waltham. Brother of Jeanne Voisey and her husband Norman of Jefferson, GA, Marilyn of Old Orchard Beach, ME and Robert Kittle and his wife Marie of Grass Valley, CA. Grandfather of Kendra, McKenzie and Carly and the late Khloe. Private funeral arrangements by Aram Bedrosian Funeral Home, Watertown

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Published by The Belmont Citizen-Herald from Mar. 10 to Mar. 17, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Donald Kittle

55 Entries

Norman

March 9, 2019

How we miss him! How he held our family together! We didn't forget the day. How could we? His picture fell out of my wife's Bible on the anniversary of His passing. Thank you Lord.

Rogelio Whittington

March 3, 2019

Well it's my 3rd tax season that I have not seen my good friend Don Kittle, whose taxes I did from he had his first job at the Cambridge Citadel Corps, working for the Corps' Outdoors Summer Program, with my brother Tito, in the bag of the Corps parking lot. Many folks will not know that one Summer, as they worked the program, a tall skinny kid name Patrick Ewing came by and they suggested that he would be good at basketball, if he learned to play. He started there and the rest is history.

We shared many experiences together at Camp Wonderland; playing in the Cambridge Citadel Silver Band and the New England Brass Band. He was a dear friend and I still miss him sorely.

Everytime I hear a trombone I think of my good friend Don Kittle, with fond memories, becaaause he is still a part of me.

Elaine Scales

June 13, 2015

Mr. Kittle helped me design a monument for my Mother last August. I really LOVED working with him. He was so kind and joyous to be around. I just called Davis to have more information added to the monument, now for my Father, and looked forward to reconnecting with Mr. Kittle. I am sure he will be greatly missed, and most fondly remembered. He was a special man.

Debbie Bearchell

April 9, 2015

There will be no man kinder or more positively and genuinely joyful than Don (DK) Kittle. His absence from this realm leaves a great void - felt deeply - but wonderful memories of Don's friendship and musicality will remain present in my heart and mind forever. Praying that Peace, Perfect Peace will surround Jackie and the entire family.

April 8, 2015

Don and I began our friendship in 1963. He was thirteen, I was seventeen. He was the Salvation Army Cambridge Citadel Corps Officers Son and I just arrived in Cambridge from NYC to play in the Corps Band. We were never together without a trombone or cornet in our hands. It's what Don and I did and what we loved doing. More importantly we loved honoring God through music. We had some great opportunities to play the best of Salvation Army Sacred Music in great Concert Halls and in the Corps Meetings. In the world of the Army Bandsman our service included supporting the Meetings, the Open Air, Kettles, teaching at Music camp and playing for Divisional Functions. Don never complained and always gave his very best. He was completely at home in this God Honoring Life style. A great moment in music was when the band played the Road To Emmaus in the Holiness Meeting. The Band was really giving their best and Don was immense on Bass Bone. The speaker for the Holiness meeting said there would be no sermon. Nothing could follow that. I believe that meant more to Don than playing at the Royal Albert Hall. Don was kind and loving Christian Gentleman who without fanfare walked the walk. Ken Griffin

Ellen Rorstrom

April 8, 2015

My Sympathies to my family with the loss of Don. Love Ellen

April 7, 2015

It seems to me that everyone liked Don. I know I did from the moment I entered the Kittle family when Don was only 14 years old. He didn't have any rough edges. If he ever rattled your cage, it was in good fun. He didn't complicate life. He started work as a teenager during the summer and stayed with that company his entire life. They liked him.
His entire life he went to Old Orchard for one week midsummer. He went to the same spot on the beach. All his friends would stop by, extended family too, to talk to Don. They all liked him.
When the school system engaged Don to work with the basketball teams they would not have known, that he was the perfect guy to work with school-age children. He could be trusted. The kids and parents liked him. And he showed up even near the end.
He was a very good bass trombone player and he told me recently that the members of the New England Brass Band became such good friends over the years. He practiced hard and long to do his best for their performances.
But the greatest loss has been that which will be felt by his family. He was the center support for the family he grew up in and the family he raised. He was always there for us and will be greatly missed.
Norm & Jeanne Voisey

Derek Kittle

April 7, 2015

Don was a cousin of mine and it was agreat delight to meet him and family members when visiting Boston. We both played the Bass Trombone. We have many fond memories which will remain with us for ever. Our Love and prayers are with Jackie and the family at this sad time.

April 7, 2015

We remember Don fondly. Flo was his Sunday School teacher in Somerville. His parents were our corps officers. Ed played volleyball with him in the summer and talked Red Sox endlessly.
Love and prayers,

Ed and Flo Forster

Gary Perrett

April 6, 2015

I will miss Don for a number of reasons. I'll miss his easy laugh, and talking brass band with him. He always took the time to listen and never had a negative word to say. Don had presence both in his playing and his personality. When a piece of music required it, Donny could "bring it". Presence without over-statement. After some of the New England Brass Band concerts I would tell him "Brother Don you blessed me tonight!" He would always laugh, but I think he knew I meant it.

Dorothy Ditmer

April 6, 2015

So many memories, moments of laughter and love. I will cherish each one. So grateful for Don's presence in my life. My heart is with Jackie and family.

Ian Anderson

April 6, 2015

It is very hard to believe that Don is no longer with us. I have really come to know him much better during this past couple of years with us both playing in the New England Brass Band, of which he was a founder member. I've know Don for many years through the relationship my wife, Faith, has with his sisters and the Kittle family, but I've really enjoyed getting to know him so much better over these recent years. Don was always the same - just a 'solid rock' personality. I will miss our chats on Monday evenings, and a visit to 'Ken's" will always trigger fond memories of Don. My love and prayers are with Jackie and his family.

Faith Anderson

April 5, 2015

Growing up, Don was the younger brother of my good friends, Honey and Jeanne. Lots of good memories of visiting the Kittle home through the years. Like most brothers, Don delighted in teasing his sisterstime past and suddenly I saw Don become a husband, father, and wonderful grandfather. Don has been a good friend through out the years and I am going to miss him. My sympathy to Jackie, Justin, and Brad. Grateful for the promise of Easter. Everytime I hear a bass trombone, I will think of him and his love of banding.

Ralph D!Amico

March 30, 2015

I only knew Don through his sister, Honey, but I know that he was a wonderful caring man who gave a lot to his family and to the the youth in Belmont. I was very saddened to learn of his illness and that he passed away so quickly after the diagnosis of the cancer. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.

Drew Currie

March 26, 2015

My first memory of Don was when he was a camper at Camp Wonderland and I was one of his counselors, a few years older. He struck me as a very friendly and unassuming kid, and that same gentle, helpful Don was still there through our recent years together in the New England Brass Band. Our sympathy and prayers to Don's family and Jeanne and Marilyn.
Drew Currie

David Beaulieu

March 25, 2015

I have great memories of Don at the Kittle's cottage on Phillips Pond in Sandown, NH back in the late 60's and early 70's He'll surely be missed.

Paul Scharneck

March 25, 2015

Rest in Peace Don and my condolences to the family. Truly an all-around great person who will be missed by all...

March 25, 2015

We were very sorry to learn of Don's passing. He was always one of the good guys to hang out with at the rink here in Belmont and all over Massachusetts. Our sincere condolences to the entire Kittle family.
Norman, Adele and Seth Oppenheim

Janet Freedman

March 25, 2015

Peter & I were sad to learn of Don's passing. We knew your family as my parents lived downstairs from you in Belmont. We have enjoyed talking with you and your boys.

Ruth Laursen

March 24, 2015

All good memories of Don. My sympathy, my thoughts, and my prayers for Don's family.

Elaine Goddard

March 23, 2015

Dear Justin and family I am so sorry to hear about your dad. My thoughts and prayers are with you

sean scharneck

March 23, 2015

Always thought of him as one of the good guys.. Remember as calm and always showed an interest in those around him. Rest well..

March 23, 2015

Don was the best brother a person could ask for, always helping me out, making me laugh, and inspiring me. He was gifted musically & was a great communicator with young people. Family always came first... and the Red Sox. Say hello to mom & Dad and yes, your dog Taffy. Love, Honey

Karen Brunelle

March 23, 2015

There are no words to say except that Don was greatly loved. He was a wonderful man and his kind and gentle spirit will be missed. My condolences to Jackie and all
the family. Please know that you are in my prayers.

John Appleby

March 23, 2015

It's taken me a while to gather myself to respond to Don's passing. He and I, with others, spent numerous hours upon hours enjoying brass band music. I remember a testimony Don gave thanking me for keeping him in brass banding and the Army. This must have come at a very young age for him (18?) when he was considering "packing it in". I'm thankful I was there at the time. Brass banding definitely benefited as did his "Army friends"! The only question I have is, who will be conducting the big brass band in Heaven? I know Don will be on Bass Trombone!

Lisa Healy

March 23, 2015

My condolences to the Kittle Family.
I have fond memories of working with Donald at Davis Monuments. God Bless, Lisa C. Healy

March 20, 2015

We thank God for your life. We pray for your family and KNOW He WILL take care of them.
Beverly and LaMont Green

Brenda Suarez

March 19, 2015

Very grateful for the many kindnesses and encouraging words Don and Jackie shared with us during our teen years at the Cambridge Corps. Both were very kind in reaching out and making us feel welcomed in our early army days. Know you are remembered with heartfelt gratitude, love and continued prayers for your family....

March 19, 2015

Sorry to hear of Dons passing. I have many great memories of band and Camp Wonderland. I moved to SC 25 years ago and lost touch with friends. God Bless his family. Alan Clark Lyman, SC

Joe Johnson

March 19, 2015

Remembering Donnie's enthusiasm and love for brass banding and thankful that we got to share so many experiences through that music. He was a great player and a great guy to be around. Sending prayers and best wishes to Jackie and all of DK's family.

Nancy NancyFleming-Bosworth

March 19, 2015

Thoughts and prayers to Don's family. I knew him as a young person in BostoBoston/Cambridge and we connected avian through our work I. More recent days. God bless!

March 19, 2015

Rogelio Whittington

March 19, 2015

Don Kittle was a great friend! We met many years ago at Camp Wonderland, in MA. and remained close over the years. We played together in the famed Cambridge Citadel Silver Band for over 20 years, as well as the New England Brass Band during its formative stages. I saw Don at least once a year as I have done his personal income taxes, since he was 17 years. I always charged him $50.00 and 4 years ago he insisted that he give me a raise to $100. For years he always looked the same! Never aging as some of the rest of us. I shall miss, as he was indeed my very favorite Bass Trombonist and I was raised on hearing his sound. He now joins all the other CCSB members that have started a new band across the River. Well done, my good friend!

Norman Voisey

March 19, 2015

Kevin Crispell

March 19, 2015

My Cambridge memories are among my sweetest because of Don. We were like brothers he was gentle, kind, and never sought the limelight. I always wished I was more like him.

March 16, 2015

My Mom and I were thinking so lovingly of all the memories we have with the Kittle family. Donnie was one of my first best boy friends. He taught me how to pitch a ball during the summers we came to their cottage.
The Lance family will always remember his sweet smile and the twinkle in his eye which he inherited from his Dad!
Love to all the family. Joyce and Janet Lance.

Thomas Ballard

March 16, 2015

Thank you for everything Coach Kittle, you took a bet on me in 7th grade and as your captain in the 8th grade for the Chenery team. I can't thank you enough for making a better leader, person and athlete. Rest in peace Coach.

March 14, 2015

justin-just heard about your dad's passing...thoughts and prayers are with.. RIP..the entire Locke family

Bruce Musler

March 13, 2015

To Don's Family,

I met Don because he coached my son Sam when he was in Chenery Middle school for 7th and 8th grade. I was always impressed with Don's patience and kindness toward his players. Years later, I looked forward to seeing him at Belmont Varsity basketball games where we would "catch up" on basketball & life. He genuinely cared about his former players and always asked me about my children. As a parent, I was grateful my son got to play for this kind & gentle man. I am sorry for your loss, it makes me sad. Rest in peace Coach Kittle.

Sincerely,
-Bruce Musler

Dean Bamford

March 13, 2015

I have many memories of Don at the Cambridge Citadel Corps of The Salvation Army: the band and your trombone, your laughter and just lots of fun. Can't forget Season tickets with the Red Sox. Good times! It is a blessing knowing you.
Dean

Leon Dyer

March 12, 2015

You will be missed Coach Kittle. It was great working with you as the sports manager for BHS sports over the years. Your love of the game was evident in all the students you coached over the years. Rest In Peace

March 12, 2015

Coach Kittle, you will be greatly missed by the Belmont community. Thank you for the many lives you influenced and touched over the years. You will not be forgotten.
-K.Kelley
CMS Teacher

March 11, 2015

Thoughts and prayers to the Kittle family. Don will be missed but he is in a far better place. RIP Don.
Harry & Sandra Murphy

Judith Halper

March 11, 2015

To Don's Family - I am so sorry for your loss. When I worked with Marilyn, I had the good fortune of meeting Don as well as the rest of your family. I most recently saw Don at Marilyn's retirement party. May precious memories and the love from those around you bring you comfort and peace. - Judy

Lee DeMoranville

March 11, 2015

To Jackie, and all the family and friends who loved Don,
Thinking of all the wonderful times together at Cambridge, cook-out at Eric and Nancy Sampson's lovely home and other get togethers and always remembering Don's smile, laughter that he brought with his stories and nicknames for so many, as well as his love of music and his trombone and the joy it brought but mostly for his love of family. My heart aches for your loss, and may our Lord give you comfort and surround you with love, knowing one day you will see Don again.

March 10, 2015

Whenever you met Don he had a smile that made you forget about all your problems. He raised you up. We worked together at Camp Wonderland and he always had my back when I got into a problem. He helped me to believe in myself when he got me into The Salvation Army's Cambridge Citadel Silver Band, to better myself when I did not see it. Don was always a good friend and made life a joy for others. A friend who will be remembered always. Jackie, you had a special friend and treasure in Don. God bless you and your family. Jack Dearin

March 10, 2015

Dear Jackie, Justin and Brad
We are all so sad to learn of Don's passing. You were wonderful neighbors for many years and we enjoyed watching the boys grow up. Our deepest sympathies to you and your extended families. Love The Browns

Casey Grant

March 10, 2015

Don was a wonderful friend to the community and his calm approach to life was a true gift. He made this world a better place; we will dearly miss him. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of his family and friends.

Shelly

March 10, 2015

Let your loving memories of Donald shine through your sorrow and may the God of peace be with each of you at this time.
Phil 4: 6, 7.

Kristin Ciappina

March 10, 2015

Dear Jackie and Family,

My deepest condolences. Don was a wonderful man and grandfather figure to me. He taught me a great deal and will always have a special place in my heart. He will be truly missed.

Dena Cocchiola

March 10, 2015

Don was one of the kindest people I have ever met. He will truly be missed by everyone that knew him. I'm thinking and praying for all of you.

March 10, 2015

Dear Jackie and Family,

My deepest condolences on the passing of Don. Don was a tremendous person and was like a grandfather to me from the time that I met him. My relationship with Don has grown over the past 4 years and he has a special place in my heart. He taught me a great deal and helped me to grow as a coach. I am deeply saddened by his loss and he will be truly missed.

-Kristin Ciappina

Paula Christofori

March 9, 2015

Dear Jackie, Justin and Brad,

I was so sad to hear of Don's passing. He was such a wonderful person who was always kind and caring. I thoroughly enjoyed coaching with him and the friendship that developed from it. The basketball players in Belmont, including my son, have benefited greatly from having had the chance to play for Coach Kittle. All of you are in my thoughts.

Michele Hylen

March 9, 2015

Thinking of you all during this time. I really appreciated Don for his laugh and patience, those are two things that really stand out in memory. Blessing to you. Michele Hylen

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