Obituary of Robert J. Witz

Athol: Robert J. “Bob” Witz, devoted son, father, brother, and friend, went to the arms of the lord on Saturday, August 25, 2018 surrounded by his loving family at the age of 89. Born May 9, 1929 in Westchester, he was the son of the late Mildred (Stearn) Witz. Following his high school graduation, Bob enlisted in the National Guard and made the Adirondacks his home at the age of 19. He was eventually drafted into the U.S. Army, where he served with the 82nd Airborne Division as a Paratrooper. Following his honorable discharge, he returned to the Adirondacks where he worked at the former Sun Canyon Dude Ranch and later worked for Jake Drexel at Northwoods. He was a talented craftsman and had a hand in many local projects including Gore Mountain Ski Center, Warren County Municipal Center, and the Adirondack Northway, before becoming an independent contractor, building beautiful homes for his children, grandchildren, and many others in the North Country. Besides spending time with his family, he enjoyed putting many miles locally and across the country on his Harley Davidson. As Bob would say, “You can get the fresh air and go anywhere,” as well as making donuts in the sand or standing on the seat with no hands. Besides his mother, he is predeceased by a sister, Helen Casanova. Left to cherish his memory are his children, Frank Witz and his wife, Jill of Saratoga, Fred Witz and his wife, Robin of Athol, and Rebecca Swan and her husband, Richard of Athol; his beloved granddaughters, Kayleigh Bluman and her husband, Tony of Greenwich, Kristen Mosher and her companion Kyle Bollman of Athol, Kaitlyn McTague and her husband, Andy of Athol, Courtney Beadnell and her husband, Jarod of Athol, and Chelsey Witz and her fiancée, Casey Monroe of Athol; great-grandchildren, Jack, Luke, Kendall, and Lyla; lifelong friends, Skip DeLoria of Queensbury and John Ross of Westchester, as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins. At Bob’s request, there are no calling hours scheduled. A graveside service with military honors will be conducted at 11 am, Wednesday, August 29, 2018 in Reynolds Cemetery, Thurman. His family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Diana Burdick for her loving, compassionate care, and filling his last days with laughter and old stories, as well as Sue Prosser for her help and support. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to a charity of one’s choice. Please visit www.alexanderfh.net for online guest book and condolences.