BENJAMIN DAVID PITZER, 35, of Portland, Oregon, passed away on April 19, 2025 at the Oregon Health and Science University Hospital following a brief illness. Born in Charleston, West Virginia on January 12, 1990, he was the second son of Michael and June Fisher Pitzer.
Benjamin graduated in 2008 from George Washington High School. He attended West Virginia University and was a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, Men's Rugby Team, and Russian Club. He earned a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering in 2012 and a degree in Electrical Engineering Control Systems in 2014 with a minor in Russian Studies.
While a student at WVU, Benjamin began his career at MEPCO in Morgantown, West Virginia as an industrial mechanic. After graduating, he became a staff engineer.
In 2018 Benjamin relocated to Portland, Oregon. Using his expertise in mechanical and electrical engineering, he managed and inspected construction projects for Aubrey Silvey Enterprises, PAR Electrical Contractors, and MacKay Sposito. In 2024 OVHcloud hired Benjamin as a construction manager to coordinate the expansion of the electrical and mechanical systems that supported their data center. Under his supervision, a cost-effective, energy-efficient data center was built.
Benjamin's life was shaped by a desire to learn and explore. He combined his love for history and geography by traveling the world and seeking new adventures. Some of his favorite destinations were Patagonia, Poland, Croatia, Czechia, Iceland, Thailand, and Germany.
Benjamin was passionate about whitewater rafting. Among his most celebrated accomplishments were four successful expeditions down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. He also honed his river running skills by navigating the waters of the Gauley, New, Snake, Deschutes, and Clackamas Rivers.
Benjamin was an engaging conversationalist with a quick wit and a wonderful sense of humor. He found joy in sharing meals, memories, and laughter with friends and family. He will be remembered as a kind and caring person who enriched and inspired the lives of those who knew and loved him.
Left to celebrate Benjamin's memory are his parents, Michael and June Pitzer; his brothers, Jonathan Pitzer (Hailey) of Chico, California; and Ethan Pitzer (Kayla) of Bridgeport, West Virginia; his nieces, Tatum, Parker, Marin, and Anastasia; and his nephews, Owen and Colson. He is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins, and countless friends.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, William and Mildred Pitzer, Douglas and Bonnie Fisher, and Carol Fisher.
Benjamin's family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the Oregon Health and Science University Hospital for their exceptional and compassionate care of him during his brief illness.
A celebration of life memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at Bollinger Funeral Home in Charleston with Pastor Richard Thompson officiating. Benjamin will be laid to rest in Sunset Memorial Park in South Charleston following the service.
Family and friends will gather for a time of visitation one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
Online Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting
www.bollingerfuneralhome.com.
Bollinger Funeral Home 420 Lee Street, W., Charleston, WV 25302 has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Published by Charleston Gazette-Mail on Jul. 17, 2025.