Westport – Craig W. “Gator” Nitsche, 49, of Sanford Road, Westport passed away peacefully at his home on January 25, 2004 after an extended illness. He was the husband of Karen (Holden) Nitsche.
He was born in Fall River son of the late David W. and Shirley R. (Pedder) Nitsche, and son-in-law of James and Patricia (Fielding) Holden of Mattapoisett. He was a Westport resident for the past ten years. He had been a parishioner of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, Fall River. He was a dedicated employee of Jesse James Transportation Company Incorporated of Rehoboth and proudly kept the Peterbilt truck he drove shined to perfection.
As a former United States Marine he traveled throughout the Unites States and Japan. Locally, Mr. Nitsche’s love for the water extended from Westport Harbor to Cuttyhunk Island, where he enjoyed fishing for striped bass from the stern of his boat. He enjoyed bowling and was a member of the Men’s Café League in Somerset for many years. He also enjoyed attending drag races and watching W.W.E.
Along with being a loving husband, he was also the devoted father of a son, Craig William Nitsche II of Redwood City, CA and a daughter, Kylie Ann Nitsche and her fiancé Ronald Martinez of Warwick, RI. He is also survived by a brother: David W. Nitsche, Jr. and his wife Laura of Vernon, CT; a sister: Cindy Lou (Nitsche) and her husband Arthur Perry, Jr. of North Dartmouth; a sister-in-law: Debra Gomes and her husband Robert of Acushnet; best friend who was like a brother: Leigh Vandel of Tiverton, RI. He was Uncle “Gator” to several nieces and nephews and one great niece.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend:
Calling hours Thursday, January 29, 2004, 5-8 P.M.
Funeral from the POTTER FUNERAL HOME, 81 Reed Road, Westport, Friday, January 30, 2004 at 10:00 A.M.
Interment in Beech Grove Cemetery, Westport.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to: Hudner Oncology Center of St. Anne’s Hospital, c/o Office of Development, 795 Middle St., Fall River, MA 02721.