Pitts, George W.

Description

George W Pitts

George W Pitts was born on September 29, 1919, in Rhode Island to Mable Keefe, age 22, and Walter Pitts. He had three brothers and in Rye he lived with his aunt at 64 Greenhaven Road. He attended schools on the East Coast.

George had an interesting day in 1938 while boating on Long Island Sound, when he rescued three girls by catching a shark barehanded.

He and his brother Harold joined the New York National Guard, 31st Fleet Div. on October 7,1937. George then enlisted November 19, 1941 and served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He was a Yeoman 2c and served for four years being honorably discharged November 18, 1945.

After the war, he worked years as a salesman for Institutional Foods and later for Brown University in Providence, R.I. He moved to Sitka, Alaska in 1980 where he worked as a custodian at Sitka High School.

George W. Pitts, 63, died May 21, 1983, in Sitka, Alaska of cancer at the Sitka Community Hospital.

At the time of his death, he was survived by his wife, Joyce, in Rhode Island; two sons Howard of Sitka and Dennis Swansea, Mass.; and a brother, Harold, of New York.

A graveside service was held at the Sitka National Cemetery, with Deacon Charles M. Johnson officiating.

The family has requested donations be made to the American Cancer Society in of flowers.

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