Kenneth W. Fitts

Kenneth W. Fitts, 98, of Mansfield Center, died June 2, 2012 at his home. Kenneth was born January 2, 1914 in Willimantic, the son of the late John N. and Ethel (Walker) Fitts. He grew up in Storrs and attended Windham High School, residing in Mansfield Center since 1948. As a young man he rode his 1928 Harley motorcycle to California and back, the first of a number of cross country motorcycle trips. He was a foreman at Pratt and Whitney Aircraft during WWII before going into business for himself in the tool and die trade. Later he was an electronic technician with the Electrical Engineering Department at the University of Connecticut, retiring in 1975. Following retirement he learned to sail, enjoying numerous trips along the east coast by himself or with friends. He was a licensed Amateur Radio Operator for over 50 years, and enjoyed a continuing curiosity of how things work. He was a long time member of the American Radio Relay League, a life member of the Natchaug Amateur Radio Club and a member of the Yankee Chapter of the Antique Motorcycle Club of America. Kenneth was predeceased by his wife Barbara (Everett) Fitts on December 9, 1990, brother Nelson Fitts in childhood, sister Frances Ellen Fitts as an infant, brother Hartley D. Fitts and sister Jean (Fitts) Hatch. He is survived by two sons, Charles Fitts of Mansfield Center, Donald Fitts of Ft. McCoy, Florida and a daughter Catherine Sayward and her husband William of Grand Rapids, Minnesota. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Thomas Sayward, John Sayward and his wife Melea, and Eben Sayward, and numerous nieces and nephews. There are no calling hours. A graveside service will be held on Thursday June 7, 2012 at 2:00pm in Storrs Cemetery, North Eagleville Rd., Storrs. For those wishing to make a memorial donation, the Fitts family suggests the Visiting Nurse Assoc., 34 Ledgebrook Dr., Mansfield, CT. 06250 or any charity of the donor's choice. Arrangements through Potter Funeral Home, Willimantic. For an online memorial guestbook, please visit www.potterfuneralhome.com .