Gary B. Fitch of Olcott, beloved husband of Patricia MacKearnin Fitch entered into rest on Tuesday May 9, 2017 in Lockport, NY. He was born in Buffalo, NY on July 12, 1935, the son of the late Dudley and Elise Burrows Fitch.
Gary graduated from Wilson Central High School and SUNY Alfred Ag & Tech. In the summer of 1957 he was Community Ambassador to India as part of the Experiment in International Living. Gary married Patricia E. MacKearnin on November 16, 1957. In 1963, Gary was the Niagara County outstanding young farmer and president of Niagara County Farm Bureau. Member of NYS Apple Growers and Cherry Growers Associations, member and past president of Newfane Central School Board of Education. He was President from 1978-1979 and Chairman of the Board from 1979-1980 of International Apple Institute. Gary served NYS Horticultural Society Board of Directors from 1985-1988 and NYS Dept. of Labor Advisory Council in 1990. He was Agricultural Affiliates Executive Secretary For 15 years retiring in 2006. On Lockport Savings Bank/First Niagara Bank Board of Directors for 21 years retiring in 2002. Gary was Owner of Ontario Orchards and Wilson Cold Storage, a 50 year Mason, Fitch Family Historian and a member of Wilson Historical Society and Newfane United Methodist Church.
Father of Linda (Mike Jankowski) Sievert of Getzville, Cheryl (Tom) Vincent of Simsbury, CT, Greg (Ginny) Fitch of Olcott and Darren (Tammy) Fitch of Lockport. Brother of R.D. (Linda) Fitch, John (Michelle) Fitch and the late Joyce (Bud) Penningroth and Joel Fitch. Brother in law of Nancy Fitch, Barbara Thiebeau, Alice (Bob) Burr and the late Paul Thiebeau. Also survived by 11 grandchildren, several nieces and nephews and many lifelong friends.
Family and friends may call at the RUTLAND-CORWIN FUNERAL HOME, INC. 2670 Main St. Newfane, NY on FRIDAY from 3 – 6PM. A Memorial service will be held at Newfane United Methodist Church 2699 Main St. Newfane, NY on SATURDAY at 10AM. In lieu of flowers, Donations to Newfane United Methodist Church would be appreciated by the family.
