Claude Vernon Pitts III

Claude Vernon Pitts III, age 61, passed away peacefully on January 21, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones. He leaves behind a profound legacy of hard work, dedication, and unwavering love for his family.

Claude was born in March 1963 in St. Petersburg, FL, to Claude Vernon Pitts Jr and Nancy Marshall. He was a proud member of the Saint Petersburg High School Class of 1981.

Claude's greatest pride was always his family. He was fortunate to spend 43 years—40 of them married—with his soulmate, Katherine. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and mutual respect. Claude was deeply proud of his three children: son Phillip Pitts, son Stephen Pitts (with daughter-in-law Kimberly), and daughter Rebecca Pitts (with son-in-law Jonathon). The light of his life this last year was his cherished grandson, Walker. Claude is also survived by his brothers, Siak-Ling K. Pitts and Gim Seong Koay, and their families.

Claude’s career spanned over 40 years in utility operations and application engineering with subject matter expertise in numerous areas including: power system protection and control (P&C), distributed energy resources (DER), microgrids, substation engineering and advanced relay controls, systems reliability and automation, and SCADA systems and advanced applications. He was a Certified Project Management Professional (PMP). Claude played a prominent role in multiple professional organizations throughout his career. He served as Chief Steward for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) from 1992 to 1998. As a dedicated member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), he held several leadership positions, including Region 3 Life Members Coordinator, Florida Council Chair, Region 3 Area Chair, Florida West Coast Section (FWCS) Chair, FWCS Vice Chair, and FWCS Treasurer. He was also Chair of the IEEE Power and Energy Society. Throughout his career, Claude’s exemplary work was honored with numerous awards and recognitions. IEEE honored him with the PES Outstanding Engineer Award, the Outstanding and Distinguished Career with IEEE Award, and the Significant Contribution Through the Year Award.

Outside of his professional life, Claude was passionate about the Masonic Brotherhood, where he was a Mason for nearly 39 years. He became a Master Mason in 1986, served as Master of Northside Lodge #283 F&AM in 1991, and continued as Lodge Secretary for the last 29 years. Claude's involvement with the Masonic brotherhood extended through multiple organizations related to the fraternity including being a Chevalier of the International Supreme Council of the Order of DeMolay, a life member of the Egypt Temple Shriners, a perpetual member of Southern Jurisdiction of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, a life member of the Sunshine Commandery No 20 Knights Templar of the York Rite, and Charter Member of the Florida Masonic Home High Twelve Club #702.

Claude was a man who held integrity and honesty in the highest regard. His commitment to his pursuits were unwaveringly driven by passion and diligence rather than the need for recognition. The wisdom he imparted, the guidance he offered, and the friendship he shared will be profoundly missed by all. His memory will undoubtedly endure in the hearts and minds of all who had the honor and privilege of knowing him.

A celebration of Claude’s life will be held on February 8, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the St. Pete Lodge #139 (formerly Northside Lodge #283), located at 3325 1st St NE, St. Petersburg, FL. Masonic Service, open to all, begins at 11:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the charity being set up to honor Claude. Link coming soon.