Dennis Robert Witt

Rev. Dennis R. Witt, age 63, of Pataskala, died peacefully Tuesday, September 2, 2014 following a one year battle with cancer. An ordained Minister, Rev. Witt has served as Pastor at the First Presbyterian Church of Pataskala for 14 years. He previously served communities in Pennsylvania and northeastern Ohio. Prior to entering the ministry Dennis served the public as a Firefighter, EMT and Fire Inspector. Preceded in death by parents, Frank A. Jr. and Anne P. Witt; brother, Arthur. Survived by loving wife of 35 years, Barbara J. Witt; children, Sarah, Jack and Peter Witt; brother and sister-in-law, Frank III and Penni Witt; sister-in-law; Nancy Masters; nieces and nephews, Christine and Frank Witt IV, Adam, Lauren and Molly Masters. Funeral Service 11 AM Saturday, September 6, 2014 at the First Presbyterian Church of Pataskala, 405 S. Main Street, Pataskala, Ohio, where the family will be receiving visitors for 2 hours prior to service time and during fellowship following. Dr. Richard Ellsworth officiating. Contributions may be made to the church in Dennis’ memory.

Rev. Dennis Robert Witt was born in Wilkinsburg, PA on November 25th, 1950 at Columbia Hospital during a winter storm that brought with it 32 inches of snow. He grew up in the neighboring town of Monroeville, PA where he volunteered at the local fire station at age 17 and was eventually promoted to the rank of captain. He graduated Gateway Senior High School in 1968. After which he attended Waynesburg College where he received a Bachelor's of Science in Business Administration in 1972. He also received his EMT certification that same year.

Dennis spent time as a youth pastor in the Pittsburgh area after meeting his Christian roommate in college and dedicating his life to Christ. He spent a summer with the Latin American Mission's Operation Spearhead in Mexico City. From there, he became very active at Goodyear Heights Presbyterian Church and was introduced to his wife Barbara whom he married in April of 1979. Together, they spent two summers volunteering in Mexico with Operation Mobilization.

He and his wife Barb moved into their first house in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, and had 3 beloved children there over the years- Sarah, Jack, and Peter. Dennis got a job with the Stow Fire Department in 1980 where he would work for the next 12 years. He was known as "Fireman Dennis" and would participate in many outreach programs to children and businesses regarding the importance of sprinklers and fire safety. He eventually became a fire safety inspector and taught classes at the Ohio State Fire Academy where he continued to do so for the next 25 years.

While working full-time as a firefighter, Dennis also received a seminary student internship at Oak Hill Presbyterian while working towards his seminary degree (Master's of Divinity) at Ashland Theological Seminary which he received in 1991. After he was ordained, he worked as an interim pastor of Stow Presbyterian as well as a full-time firefighter until he received his first full-time pastoral position as the Associate Pastor of 3rd Presbyterian in Uniontown, PA in 1992.

After just two years, Dennis was ready to have his own church and became the minister of North Benton Presbyterian in 1994 where he served for the next 6 years. He then moved on to Pataskala, Ohio in 2000 where he would spend the remainder of his days.

Rev. Dennis Witt devoted his life to the service of others in preaching, counseling, supporting, and saving both physical and spiritual lives. He cared deeply about those in the community and touched many lives. Dennis was a joyful man of God who was loved by all who knew him.