Stephen Fitts

Cremation Services of Pennsylvania

Stephen “Steve” William Fitts, 63, died peacefully at his home in Manheim, PA, on Sunday, April 30, 2023.  He is the son of Robert William Fitts and the late Carolyn Beverly (Gill) Fitts of Lititz.  Steve was a 1977 graduate of Warwick High School who served in the U. S. Coast Guard from 1977 to 1981. He was proud of his service as a cook at the U. S. Coast Guard Academy.  After returning to civilian life, Steve was employed as a cook at several area restaurants before becoming a house painter and carpenter. He was later employed as a woodworker at Childcraft/School Specialty, Inc. in Mount Joy. Steve was a member of the Germania Band Club in Manheim, PA.  Growing up, Steve loved playing outside, board games, and arranging plastic army men with siblings, neighbor friends, and cousins. He participated in Boy Scouts and Explorer Scouts. Memorably, with his father and oldest brother, Chuck, he hiked Mount Washington in New Hampshire. In addition, with an Explorer group, Steve and his sister, Beth, along with their father, hiked the 90-mile Susquehannock Trail in Pennsylvania.  A lifelong reader, Steve read newspapers, National Geographic, and Discover magazine. He especially loved histories and fiction related to seafaring. Steve also read many “how to” books, including cookbooks and gardening books. In turn, he became a good cook and a wonderful gardener.  Steve enjoyed making things with his hands and applying his skills to outdoor activities. He learned to rock climb, tied his own flies for fishing, and built a rifle from a kit.  He will also be well-remembered for his love of animals, both as pets and in nature. He especially loved his sweet dog, Lady, called “Ladybug,” who was his faithful, furry companion for many years.  Steve raised a baby skunk and later a litter of kittens who had all lost their mothers. In addition, Steve was a squirrel whisperer. The squirrels would see him inside the sliding glass door, then peek in the glass until Steve tossed them a few peanuts. He thoroughly enjoyed caring for his niece’s cat, Solo. In addition, Steve’s favorite activity on Super Bowl weekend was watching the Puppy Bowl.  He was pre-deceased by his mother, Carolyn Beverly (Gill) Fitts, in 2020, but is survived by his father, Robert W. (Bob) Fitts. He is also survived by his older brother Charles (Chuck) Fitts and wife Wendy, his younger sister, Elizabeth (Beth) Fitts Reighart and her husband Charles (Charlie) Reighart, a younger brother Robert A. (Rob) Fitts, as well as nephews Paul and Scott Fitts and Andrew Reighart and niece, Diana Reighart.  A celebration of life and interment will be held at 12 p. m. on June 25 at Old Zion Church, 187 Reifsnyder Road, Lititz, PA. After the interment, people are invited to the Germania Band Club, 41 South Pitt Street, Manheim, PA 17545 for an informal gathering at approximately 2 p. m.

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Stephen Fitts Obituary | Cremation Services of Pennsylvania