William Jay Fitch's Obituary
William Fitch Obituary
William Jay Fitch, 84, of Elyria, Ohio, died September 24, 2013 at Wesleyan Village.He was born December 10, 1928 in Lorain, was a 1946 graduate of Elyria High School and received a B.A. in economics from the College of Wooster in 1950.He served in the U.S. Army for two years stationed in Berlin, Germany. After his military service, he began his career in banking at Elyria Savings and Trust and remained there until his retirement as Executive Vice President in 1986. Bill had an extensive history as a public and civic servant. He served as the Treasurer for the City of Elyria, Sheriff Advisory Council, Cotillion Club, First United Methodist Church, Law Enforcement, and for many levies for the Elyria City Schools. He also was active in politics as treasurer for local and state government office candidates throughout the years. Bill was an active member of Elyria Rotary Club, serving as president from 1971 to 1972. He was a member of the Elyria Charter Commission, Civil Service C0ommission, Elyria Jaycees, Investment Club, American Legion Post 12, Elyria Elks Club, King Solomon Lodge No. 56 F. & A.M., Al Koran Shrine, The Jesters and the morning coffee group. Bill was Chairman for the Finance Division of The United Fund of Lorain County. From 1972 to 1973, he served on the Advisory Council for Continuing Education at Bowling Green State University. He served as president and board member of the Commerce and Industry Association in Elyria. Bill has been a past member of the Board of Directors for Elyria Rotary Club, Elyria Salvation Army, Elyria YMCA, Junior Achievement, Sales and Marketing Executives of Lorain County, Elyria Chamber of Commerce, Elyria Memorial Hospital, and Lorain County Arts Council. Perhaps he will best be remembered for co-founding the Elyria Apple Festival, being one of the Apple Core members since its beginning in 1981. Throughout his life, he and his wife Jane were avid travelers and treasured new experiences. A member of Elyria Country Club, Bill was an eager golfer as well as a tennis player, jogger and cross country skier. He also would never turn down a chance to play some cards. Probably his most loved hobby though, was recording the events of his life on videotape, reflecting on his many blessings with family and friends. Bill is survived by his wife of 62 years, Mary Jane (nee Bartholomai); children Virginia (Bob) Green of Elyria; Bill (Lori) Fitch of Elyria; Tom (Lou Ann) Fitch of San Diego, CA; Sally (Bill) Carter of Bay Village and eleven grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents R. Jay Fitch and Alberta Fitch (nee Spiegelberg). A memorial service will be Saturday, October 5, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. in the chapel of Wesleyan Village, 807 West Ave., Elyria, OH 44035. Reverend Beth McKee, chaplain of Wesleyan Village and Reverend Christopher Robinson, chaplain of New Life Hospice, will officiate. Memorial contributions may be made to Wesleyan Village or a charity of your choice Dicken Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Elyria is in charge of arrangements. For online condolences, visit www.dickenfuneralhome.com
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