Ernst Fred Klittich

Ernst (Fred) Klittich, of Bow, NH passed away on October 18, 2023 at the age of 81, after a long battle with Parkinson’s. Fred was born to Emma and Frederick Klittich on May 14, 1942 in East Orange, NJ.

Fred graduated from Irvington High School in Irvington, NJ in 1960. His performance on the basketball court earned him a spot in the Irvington High School’s Athletic Hall of Fame. His love and talent in basketball granted him a full scholarship to Wagner College in Staten Island, NY, where again he earned a place in the Athletic Hall of Fame. Fred graduated in 1964. After years of teaching high school German, Fred changed career paths and became a Minister in the Church of Nazarene. In 2002, he achieved the Pastor of the Year award for the Church of Nazarene. During his 38 years of ministry, Fred led churches in NJ, VT, MA, NH and VA.

Fred enjoyed many activities, such as golfing, woodworking and gardening, but it was clear that basketball was his passion. After playing in his high school and college years, he went on to coach basketball, as well as soccer and track and field.

Fred is survived by the love of his life, his wife Joyce Klittich (Reitz); his daughters, Jane Hardy and spouse Kevin of Bakersfield, CA; Deborah Dartt and spouse Donald of Los Angeles, CA; and Wendy Gazaway and spouse David of Bow, NH; his grandchildren, Taylor Dartt, Rachel Dartt, Weston Hardy, Patrick Hardy, Kristin Dosher, Dylan Gazaway, and Caleb Gazaway; and three great-grandchildren, Amelia Dartt, Locke Dartt and Savannah Hardy. He is predeceased by his parents and his sister Doris Glassen.

Calling hours will be held from 4:00pm to 7:00pm on Friday, October 27, 2023 at Bennett Funeral Home, 209 N Main St, Concord NH 03301. Church Services will be held from 1:00pm to 2:00pm Saturday, October 28, 2023 at New Beginnings Church of Nazarene, 33 Staniels Rd, Loudon, NH 03307 with a procession to follow to Evan’s Cemetery in Bow, NH. Afterwards, there will be a reception at the Bow Community Building, 3 Bow Center Rd, Bow, NH.

The family has asked that any contributions wish to be made in Fred’s honor can be made to the New Beginnings Church of Nazarene or to the Parkinson’s Foundation.