Obituary of Gerald F. Fitch

Gerald F. "Jerry" Fitch "Proud fireman, loving husband and father" Olean, NY-- Gerald F. "Jerry" Fitch of 1724 Park Avenue was pronounced dead on arrival Saturday (December 6, 2003) in the Olean General Hospital after suffering an apparent heart attack in his home. Born October 30, 1943 in Olean, NY he was the son of Raymond and Marion !VanDixon Fitch. On August 8, 1987 at his home in Olean he married Joyce Aderman who survives. Mr. Fitch was a lifelong resident of Olean, having graduated from Olean High School in 1961 and then he served in the US Army. He enlisted for two consecutive three year tours of duty during which time he was a member of Advisor Team 95 Mac V and he also served in Vietnam from 1966 until 1967. He was a proud 20 year member of the Olean Fire Department from 1972 until 1992 and during the same period he worked in the service department for Sears Roebuck & Co. from 1975 until his retirement in 1996. Mr. Fitch’s life was centered around his family and friends where he enjoyed spending time with his granddaughters and also with his many close friends. He helped others in many ways, including his involvement as a member of the Portville American Legion, the Olean VFW, the St. Stephens Club, the Olean Eagle's Aerie #616 and the Olean Professional Firefighters Association. Surviving besides his wife are 2 sons Richard R. Fitch of Erie, PA and William R. (Grace) Fitch of Modesto, CA; 2 granddaughters Kristyna and Nichole; 1 brother Jack Fitch of Olean; several nieces and nephews, his former wife and good friend Eva Jean Britt of Modesto, CA, his goddaughter and several close friends. He was predeceased by his parents and a brother Charles Fitch. Friends will be received at the Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home 3128 W. State Rd. Olean on Monday from 2-4 & 7-9pm and on Tuesday from 10:00am until 11:00am at which time funeral services will be held in the funeral home. Rev. Andrew Haskins, pastor of the First Free Methodist Church in Allegany, will officiate. Burial will be in Mt. View Cemetery Veterans Field of Honor. Memorials may be made to the City of Olean Fireman’s Association or to the Westons Mills Fire Department.