John V.K. Stitt
John Van Keuren Stitt, a life-long resident of Monroe, went to his rest on Wednesday, May 9, 2012, at The Valley View Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing Care in Goshen.
He was 84 years of age, having been born Dec. 30, 1927, to John Howard Stitt and B. Leota Van Keuren at the family home on High Street.
He is survived by a large and loving family and circle of friends who will miss his smile and laugh, including his children: Lisa Stitt of Middletown, John (Lisa) Stitt of Jericho, Vt., and Kitty Stitt-Lorenzen of Middletown; cherished grandchildren Tyler and Emily Stitt of Jericho, Vt., and Timothy and Katie Lorenzen of Middletown; sister Henrietta Stitt Jones of Ijamsville, Md.; sisters-in-law Lidvor Lunde of Nesodden, Norway, and Bonnie Stitt of Bath; brother-in-law John Vitarelli of Englewood, Fla.; and numerous nieces, nephews and adopted kids.
He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 52 years, Unni Lunde Stitt, in 2009; his son-in-law Kip Lorenzen; sister, Edna Vitarelli; and brothers Charles, Richard and Harry Stitt.
John was a graduate of Monroe High School and received much of his trade skill training during his service in the U.S. Navy as an electricians mate at the end of World War II, during which time he served aboard the Baltimore-class heavy cruiser U.S.S. Macon and Haskell-class attack transport U.S.S. Randall.
Following his military service, John both completed his electrical apprenticeship and worked for a number of years with Charles A. Gray on Spring Street in Monroe before striking out on his own as a self-employed electrical contractor.
Baptized and raised at the First Presbyterian Church of Monroe, John and Unni became members of St. Paul Lutheran Church in the 1960s while it was still a small mission congregation meeting in the upstairs bingo hall of the old Mombasha Fire House, right across the street from the Presbyterian Church.
John remained an active and faithful member of St. Paul for the rest of his life, serving as an usher, offering counter and worker on the property committee, among other roles. He was for many years a member of the Mombasha Fire Company and the Orange County Electrical Contractors Association and, in more agile days, he bowled in the leagues at the old Monroe Bowl-O-Fun.
John was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle, father-in-law and friend who will be sorely missed, though we may all take comfort in the knowledge that he is now at peace, once again at the side of his wife, the love of his life.
Known for his commitment, integrity, work ethic, patriotism and strong faith, he was above all a family man, loyal friend and role model for his children, grandchildren, and friends. He was rarely seen without a broad smile and twinkle in his eye and his laugh was infectious. Relatives and friends alike know of his generosity of spirit and time.
Visitation was scheduled for 5 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, May 16, at Smith, Seaman and Quackenbush, Inc. Funeral Home, 117 Maple Ave., Monroe.
A funeral service was scheduled for 10 a.m. on Thursday, May 17, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 21 Still Road in Monroe, with the Rev. Donald W. Lee officiating. Interment followed of both John and Unni Stitt in Orange County Veterans Cemetery in Goshen.
The family invites friends and family to return to St. Paul after the committal for a luncheon. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that gifts in memory of John Stitt be directed to St. Paul Lutheran Church, Mombasha Fire Company, Monroe Ambulance or Lorenzen Family Education Fund c/o: Provident Bank, 485 Schutt Road, Middletown, NY 10941 .
Funeral arrangements made by Smith, Seaman & Quackenbush, Inc. Funeral Home. For additional information, call 845-782-8185 or visit online at www.ssqfuneralhome.com.