Donald H. Pitkin

Donald H. Pitkin, 89, of East Hartford, beloved husband of the late Janet (Gibbons) Pitkin, and son of LaRoy and Grace (Day), passed from this life on Friday (April 23, 2010). Mr. Pitkin was born in West Newbury, MA., and had been a longtime resident of the East Hartford community. Prior to his retirement he had been employed by Pratt & Whitney Aircraft for 45 years, beginning as an apprentice, and retiring as General Supervisor of Production Engineering, Assembly and Test. He was a proud U.S. Navy Veteran of World War II. Always civic minded he belonged to First Congregational Church, East Hartford Historical Society, East Hartford Senior Centers, the East Hartford School Business Partnership Historical Roundtable, Republican Town Committee Chairman, Majority Leader East Hartford Town Council 1967-1969, Minority Leader 1983-1985, and again from 2001 to present. He graduated from Manchester Community College in 2004 with a degree in Industrial Technology. Mr. Pitkin was the 2004 Alumni Association Award "Outstanding Alumni", and a lifetime member of the Alumni Association. He was one of this years Paul Harris Fellows from the East Hartford Rotary. Mr. Pitkin is survived by his three sons; Donald H. Pitkin II and his partner, Joan, Douglas Pitkin and his wife Joanne, Craig Pitkin and his wife Rae, and by his daughter, Cheryl and her husband Michael Rioual. He also leaves his nine grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his three brothers; Merton, Clayton, and Kendal. Don was loved and admired by all who knew him. He was a devoted and loving father, and fervent advocate for both the heritage and future of his community. A stickler for honesty and accuracy, he was also a kind and caring friend, always present in times of need. The family wishes to extend their heartfelt appreciation to the staff of The Riverside Health and Rehabilitation Center for the always excellent and attentive care they have provided. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the funeral service on Thursday, April 29, 2010 at 11 a.m. at the First Congregational Church of East Hartford, 837 Main Street. East Hartford. The interment service will follow in the Veteran's Field of the Silver Lane Cemetery, East Hartford. Mr. Pitkin's family will receive callers at the Newkirk & Whitney Funeral Home, 318 Burnside Ave. East Hartford on TUESDAY, April 27, 2010 from 4 to 8 p.m. Memorial donations may be made in his memory to the Alzheimer's Association , 279 New Britain Road, Kensington, CT 06037 or to the American Heart Association , One Union St. Suite 301, Robbinsville, N.J. 08691. Please visit online to share memories and express condolences at www.newkirkandwhitney.com.