WORCESTER-James F. "Jim" Pitney, 72, of 36 Commodore Road, beloved husband of Patricia E. (Hull), and devoted father and grandfather, died on Sunday, September 26th while golfing with his brothers and his son, John, in Connecticut. Jim leaves behind his wife of 46 years, Patricia; his daughter Elizabeth Seidler and her husband Chris, and their children William, Nick, and Claire; son John Pitney; son Patrick and his wife Maria and their children Victoria, Andrew, and Thomas; son Tim and wife Niquette and their children Katherine, Julia, Jack and Eric; son Chris and his wife Dani and their son Caleb; son Jamie and his wife Diane and their children Isabel and James; and daughter Rachel. He also leaves three brothers, Louis P. Pitney of TX, Thomas Pitney of CT, and Bill Pitney of CT and their families. His brother Ken predeceased him.
He was born in Broad Brook, CT the son of Louis P. and Gertrude (Stein) Pitney and attended Ellsworth Memorial High School where he won the Hugh Greer Award as a senior. As class president, he was recently very active in organizing his fiftieth reunion. He was a graduate of the United States Naval Academy with the class of 1957. While there, he served as captain of the soccer team for two years and was Regimental Commander of the First Regiment. He was commissioned as an ensign upon graduation from the Naval Academy and served as an officer on submarines out of the New London Naval base and at the postgraduate center in Monterey, CA until he retired from active duty. He then joined the Naval Reserves, retiring in 1989 at the rank of Captain. Jim was a loyal Navy supporter and alumnus. Jim and Patricia married in 1958. After retiring from active duty, Jim moved to Springfield, MA and worked for Terry Turbine in Windsor, CT. In 1970 Jim and his family moved to Worcester where he worked for Coppus Engineering Co. for 27 years until retiring in 1997. Since retirement, he has been called back frequently as a consultant for the company. Jim was a professional who was well respected and greatly loved by his friends and colleagues the world over. He was recognized professionally by the American Petroleum Institute, of which he was a member for 27 years, and by NEMA, the National Association of Electrical Manufacturers. Jim was actively involved in the West Side Babe Ruth League for twenty years as a volunteer and Player/Agent manager, and loyal fan. Jim’s greatest joy was his family; Patricia, children and grandchildren.
The funeral is Thursday, September 30th from O’CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue, with a Mass at 11:00 AM in Blessed Sacrament Church, 555 Pleasant Street. Burial will be Friday, October 1st at 12:45 PM in Bourne National Cemetery, Bourne. Calling hours are Wednesday, September 29th from 2:00 until 4:00 PM and 6:00 until 9:00 PM in the funeral home. Memorial donations may be made to the West Side Babe Ruth League, c/o Greg Halligan. 929 Pleasant Street, Worcester, MA 01602 or the Campaign to re-elect President George W. Bush, payable to the Bush-Cheney Campaign, PO Box 2005, Merri, VA 22116.