Mr. John "Jack" Francis Fitch

John "Jack" Francis Fitch, 89, passed away at Home on February 12, 2018. Jack was born in Pittsfield, Mass on November 24, 1928. He was the son of the late Major Fitch and Catherine Potash Fitch. Jack enjoyed growing up in West Pittsfield at his family's business, the former Fitch's Garage. Jack graduated from Pittsfield High School in 1947, where he excelled at both Track and Ice Hockey. Jack enlisted in the United States Air Force in Sept of 1948 where he worked as a Heavy Equipment Operator in Germany and Austria during the rebuilding of Post War Europe and received a Good Conduct and German Occupational Medal. While there he was a member of the United States Air Force Hockey team that captured the European Cup in 1950. He was Discharged in Sept 1951 with the rank of Staff Sgt. Jack retired in 1991 after 40 years as a Heavy Equipment Operator for Local 98 of the International Union of Operating Engineers. His last job was doing the site preparation for the Berkshire Mall. During the winter seasons Jack drove the Zamboni at the Pittsfield Boys and Girls Club. He also volunteered as a Hockey Coach, coaching his three sons. He also acted as a goal judge for the Local High School Hockey games. After his retirement Jack enjoyed traveling throughout the country with his wife. He also enjoyed spending time with his Grandchildren. He was known for his quick wit and stories. He could be found most mornings at the McDonalds in Coltsville sharing stories with his friends. Jack is survived by the love of his life: his loving wife Patricia Gleason, whom he married on June 21, 1956 at St. Marks Church in Pittsfield, and by five of his children, Elizabeth (Platt) of Westford, Mass, John of North Andover, Mass, Daniel of Fayetteville, NY, Marcia (Neumiller) of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Robert of Pittsfield. He is also survived by his 11 grandchildren, Daniel, Allison, and Laura Fitch, Phillip and Madeline Neumiller, Joshua, Rachel, Hannah, and Emma Fitch, Macie and Marlie Fitch, and by one great granddaughter, Issabella Fitch. Jack was predeceased by a daughter Kathleen and parents Major and Catherine Fitch, brothers Major and Robert, and sister Norma Jarrett. He is survived by his Sister Eileen Maselli. Funeral Notice: Funeral services for Mr. John "Jack" Francis Fitch will be held Thursday, February 15, 2018 at 11 a.m. at the Dwyer Funeral Home, officiated by Rev. A. Peter Gregory. Burial with military honors will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery. Calling hours at the Funeral Home will precede the service from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, care of the Dwyer Funeral Home, 776 North St., Pittsfield, MA 01201, in his memory. DONATIONS CANNOT BE MADE ONLINE, BUT MAY BE MADE THROUGH THE FUNERAL HOME.

Mr. John "Jack" Francis Fitch

November 24, 1928 - February 12, 2018