John Duncan Pitney

John Duncan Pitney of Paoli, PA, age 77 , passed away suddenly on Friday, February 26th , the 38th wedding anniversary of his marriage to Elizabeth (Lisa)Dillworth Pitney who was by his side as always. Born on July 5, 1943 in Washington, DC to the late Duncan Pitney and Elaine Darlington Pitney Fowler. John is survived by his loving wife, Lisa and their two children, Mimi Pitney Melvin (Rory) of Bryn Mawr , son Jack Pitney of Los Angeles and “Pops”to two adoring grandsons, Win and Shields Melvin and his brother Christopher Pitney (Angelique) of Calabasas, CA.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Jennifer Pitney Fabyan Lysle.

John was raised in Mendham, New Jersey on Pitney Farm . He attended Far Hills Country Day School, the Millbrook School , The Hun School and the University of Pennsylvania. John bravely enlisted in the United States Army after his sophomore year of college. He graduated from Officer Candidate School at Ft. Benning, Georgia and fought for his Country in Vietnam as a First Lieutenant and served as Assistant S-3 Commander with the 1st Battalion, 12 Infantry, 4th Infantry Division. Due to his heroism on December 23, 1969, he was awarded by the President of the United States, the Bronze Star Medal for Heroism and two Purple Hearts for wounds received on that day. Serving his country was an honor John cherished his entire adult life.

As a volunteer, he worked for the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial Fund raising funds for the building of the Wall in 1982. In 2007, on the 25th Anniversary of the building of Wall he was honored to be asked to participate in the Reading of the Names at a special ceremony in Washington, DC.

John began his career in Washington, DC as a stockbroker and ultimately retired from Legg Mason Wood Walker in Bryn Mawr. In retirement he played golf at his beloved Gulph Mills Golf Club, exercised at Merion Cricket Club and enjoyed his daily crossword puzzle. He loved people and he loved to talk to everyone he met from all walks of life. Please honor John’s memory by talking to a random stranger , tell a joke or a long winded story. He would love that!

Services and interment are private. The family plans to hold a celebratory memorial in the coming months, once pandemic restrictions allow. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, In Honor of John D. Pitney, 1235 South Clark Street, Suite 910, Arlington, Virginia 22202.