SALEM: Dr. Louis C. Fittante, 82, died Sunday, November 10, 2013 at home after a long illness surrounded by his family. He was the beloved husband of Mary Angela (Barnes) Fittante with whom he shared fifty-five years of marriage.
Louis “Gigi” was born in Catanzaro, Italy on March 22, 1931. He was the beloved son of the late Federico and Pia Dora (Corea) Fittante. Louis served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War era and was stationed in Germany, Austria and eventually Vicenza, Italy where he served as an Italian interpreter/translator. After completing military service he worked for the U.S. Foreign Service in Madrid, Spain and was where he met his future wife. Dr. Fittante received a Bachelor’s Degree from Salem State College, a degree from MIT and a Doctorate Degree in Education from the University of Georgia. He was a professor of Mathematics for more than 25 years at Endicott Junior College. Dr. Fittante became the head of the Mathematics Department and pioneered the Computer Department for Endicott.
Gigi was a lover of Italian bell canto opera and a self taught singer, practicing favorite arias in the basement of his home. A brilliant and robust man, quick to laugh with a zeal for life and a healthy distrust of organizations, he had an uncanny ability to take apart, fix and build anything. Louie also had a farmer's green thumb and grew grapes to make his own wine. A lover of good home cooking, nutrition, vitamins and natural remedies, he enjoyed vibrant health until he lost his vision, due to macular degeneration. Even as a legally blind man, he continued to analyze and study, via short wave radio broadcasts, world news programs in English, Spanish, Italian and French.
Gigi's teen years in a Franciscan monastery school left him with a lifelong compassion for the underdog, and a generosity and good will to all. He was strong, extremely bright and an earthy man with a capacity to see the big picture. A born teacher and a leader amongst his peers with a distaste for attention, he lived his life with honesty, in the pursuit of knowledge, and devotion to his family. A man of his word with no pretenses, Louis had a gentle kindness and a temper that quickly subsided and back bone and courage to live according to his values and heart. His presence, love, and resilience will be deeply missed.
He was the loving father of Federico P. Fittante and his wife, Pamela Williams of Salem; Carlos A. Fittante of New York City, and Lieutenant Colonel Michael F. and his wife, JoAnne Fittante of VA; cherished grandfather of Felicity, Michael and Milania; devoted brother of Caesar Fittante of Seattle, WA., Robert Fittante of West Roxbury and David F. and his wife, Jan Fittante of Monteray, CA; uncle of Ann, Talia, Emily, Danny and Christopher.
A funeral service for Louis was held on Thursday, November 14, 2013 in the Beals-Geake-Magliozzi Funeral Home, 29 Governors Avenue, Medford at 12 PM. Visitation was held prior to the service from 10 until 12 PM. Many relatives and friends were in attendance. Interment was held in the Oak Grove Cemetery in Medford, following the service.
For additional information, please visit, www.magliozzifuneralhome.com.