WILMINGTON: John C. Pitman, age 82, a resident of Wilmington for 58 years, formerly of Tewksbury, passed away on Sunday, December 27, 2009, at home with his family by his side.
He was the beloved husband of Mary L. (Bemis) Pitman, with whom he celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary on March 25, 2009.
Born in Harrisburg, PA on May 26, 1927, he was the son of the late George and Mary P. (McDevitt) Pitman.
John was raised in Somerville and Tewksbury. He attended Tewksbury schools , graduated from Tewksbury High School and later attended the University of New Hampshire, where he received his B.S. Degree in Business Management.
Mr. Pitman served during World War II and the Korean War in the U.S. Navy. He was awarded several decorations for his military service including the World War II Victory Medal, the Navy Occupation Service Medal (Asia), the China Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, and two National Defense Service Medals.
Prior to his retirement, he was employed as a customer service representative by the Aotco Metal Finishing Company of Billerica, where he worked for 22 years.
Mr. Pitman was a communicant of St. Dorothy's Church in Wilmington.
He was a member of the Wilmington Knights of Columbus and the Wilmington American Legion.
Mr. Pitman enjoyed many activities including swimming, watching professional sports and was an avid New England Patriots fan.
He was a devoted husband and father and loved spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
In addition to his wife Mary, John is survived by his children, John C. Pitman, Jr. and his wife Tammie (Brazee) of Wilmington and Diane L. Patrick and her husband Kenneth of Tewksbury; four grandchildren, Melissa Engelken, Denise Centazzo, Brad Patrick and Danielle Pitman; four great grandchildren, Sarah and Joshua Engelken, Arianna and Gianna Centazzo.
Calling hours Wednesday, Dec. 30th, from 4-8 p.m., at the Farmer & Dee Funeral Home, 16 Lee St., Tewksbury. His funeral will be held Thursday, December 31st, at 11 a.m., from the funeral home, followed by his Funeral Mass at 12 Noon at St. Dorothy's Church, Main St., Rte. 38, Wilmington. Interment will follow at Tewksbury Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Beacon Hospice, 350 Main St., Haverhill, MA 01830.