Anthony Kitta

The Kitta family wanted to be together for Christmas, so they called their brother Anthony home. Anthony Kitta, 96 of Seatontown, passed away Monday, December 14, 2020. He was born June 13, 1924 in Fairbank, a son of the late Joseph Sr. and Sophia Fortek Kitta.  He was the last surviving member of his family.

Anthony was a veteran of the United States Army having served in WW II, being stationed on the island of New Guinea. While in combat he sustained injuries that left him permanently disabled. He was the recipient of the Purple Heart.

In  his younger years before the war, Anthony and his brothers formed a baseball team called the “Seatontown Farmers”, playing in different patches in the area. Upon returning home after combat, he led a quiet life. He liked a good game of penuckle with some of the locals at Hacksaw’s Garage in Fairbank. He was active with his nephews and nieces, teaching them how to play baseball, sled riding with them and even attending their football games. He was always “Uncle Pete” to them. He was also and excellent artist, making beautiful cards for his sisters birthdays and other special occasions. He was also a Steeler and Pirate fan.

Anthony was Catholic by faith and was a member of the Church of the Madonna in Cardale until its closing. Currently he was a member of St Francis of Assisi in Footedale.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by the following siblings: John, George, Mike, Frank, Val, Dan, Joseph, Walter, Frances, Mary, Victoria, Ann and Sophia.

Surviving are his nieces and nephews: Frances Shimko and her husband Bernard with whom Anthony made his home with until he became ill. Bernie was excellent with Anthony having helped in every aspect of his care. Danny (Cathy) Kitta,  Robert Kitta, Michael (Debbie) Kitta, Debbie (Clarence) Mitchell, Patty (Bobby) Blanch, Sandy (Jeff) Free, Walter (Stephanie) Kitta, Cynthia (Matt) Bernot; great nieces and nephews and great great nephews and a great great niece; a special caregiver, Dorothy, who took wonderful care of Anthony. She was the reason he was able to stay home until he needed skilled care.

Memorial contributions can be made to the AMVETS General George C. Marshall Post 103 in Hopwood.

 A private visitation will be held for the family from 9 – 10:30 a.m. Thursday, December 17, 2020 at the Kish Fabry Funeral Home, Inc., 19 Legion Street, Republic, PA where Prayers of Transfer will be prayed followed by a Funeral Mass at St. Francis of Assisi (Footedale Worship Site) with Father Marion Pates as Celebrant. Interment will follow in St. Thomas Cemetery, Footedale with full military rights and honors being accorded by the AMVETS General George C. Marshall Post 103, Hopwood, Pa.

Pa State mandated Covid-19 precautions will be enforced including social distancing, wearing of facemasks and a limit of 10 persons at a time in the funeral home.