(585) 544-2041
info@harrisfuneralhome.com
Tribute Wall
In Memory of
Wilson W. "Wils" Fitch, Jr.
1928 - 2022
Loading...
G
Grayson Mullen posted a condolence
Wednesday, August 9, 2023
I was honored to have Coach Fitch as my golf coach at Eastridge H.S. from my 7th grade year on varsity till I graduated in 1989. Still remember when he hid my clubs from me when we got to Monroe Golf Club for a match and then when I did find them he put his left handed clubs in my bag ( I’m right handed ). Great teacher and mentor. Was a true gentleman and asset to the Rochester golfing community. Condolences to the family and God Bless.
P
Penny Kasiske Hetzer lit a candle
Thursday, July 28, 2022
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-gestures/Candle.png
Mr. Fitch was my gym teacher when I was a 5th grader at Durand Eastman School. Once in gym class, we had a fire drill, and I had forgotten my sneakers. At that time, the back lot of the school was all weeds and prickers, so he carried me out in my socks so my feet wouldn't get hurt. I fell in love with him then! He remembered me, as well as every student at EHS, when I was a student there. When I came back after college to be a substitute teacher, he still remembered me. He was just that kind of guy. He was a wonderful vice principal who always supported me when I sent badly-behaving students to him then. What a guy!
R
Robert Utter lit a candle
Sunday, July 24, 2022
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-gestures/v2/candles/candle_peace.png
Pam (Shaff) Utter, and, I would like to extend our profound condolences to the entire Fitch family. I taught, at Eastridge for 31 years, and, am very happy to be able to say that Wilson was a very dear friend, and, a tremendous colleague. We will miss him dearly.
Bob and Pam Utter
M
Mary Ellen Hall posted a condolence
Sunday, April 3, 2022
We are so sorry to hear of Wilson's passing. We have so many great memories with him at the RDGA tournaments. He was such a pleasure to talk to at each and every tournament. He had great knowledge and love of the game of golf. We will miss him dearly.
Mary Ellen, Bob, Bridget and Gavin Hall
G
Gregg Miller posted a condolence
Wednesday, March 16, 2022
I was at home watching our virtual Sunday Service when Wilson's passing was announced, and I cried at the loss of a friend. My wife Janey and I were members of the Third Presbyterian Church Choir for 13 seasons (2006 - 2019), and I had the privilege of sitting next to Wilson during rehearsals and Sunday services for most of that time. He was a truly remarkable human being. We joked with each other as to who got to Sunday's choir warm-up time first. We'd talk about his experiences in life, and his mousetrap-like memory of various golfing infractions he ruled on during his PGA judging years. He was a good friend, and I will miss him dearly. Our thoughts as prayers are with you and your family, Mary Lou.
L
Larry Faulkner posted a condolence
Thursday, March 3, 2022
I had the distinct honor and privilege to work with Wilson at the RDGA for close to seven years. During that time I attempted to become a "Rules Official". I went with Wilson and others to Rules classes in New Jersey where I tried to learn and be tested for the rules. Needless to say I never came close to knowing even one-tenth of what Wilson knew about the rules. We did have a good time outside of the classes and I did learn. I still have great memories of those times.
I did work with Wilson at quite a few tournaments, as a "Rules Official in-training", and one in particular stands out and I still have a memento, a coffee cup, which I still use today, to remind of that day. It was at Irondequoit Country Club and Wilson was parked under a tree and I came up and we sat there for the longest time chatting about all things golf and life in general. As we were both retired educators there was a lot of common ground.There were no rules issues that came up so we were there for a very long time, chatting away. When the tournament was over and we had to part I said to him,"Well I really didn't do anything today!". He said and I will remember this always, "But you spent time with me!"
I was always very apprehensive when Wilson would drive up to me at a tournament I was helping to "Officiate", because he would occasionally quiz me on the rules. I was lucky to get half of them correct!
I was always in awe of his knowledge of the rules and couldn't help but be dazzled by his discussion of rules situations with the other members of the Rules Committee, Dick Wood, Dan Overbeck and others.
I truly enjoyed being with Wilson on the RDGA Board during my time there. I consider him a respected colleague and more so as a good friend. I shall miss him dearly.
D
Doug Uhazie posted a condolence
Tuesday, March 1, 2022
Very sorry to hear about the loss of everyone's dear friend Wilson. I send my thoughts and prayers to the family. I grew up in Rochester with the junior and men's amateur golf scene where Mr. Fitch was a staple. He always knew the right time to be commanding and the right time for a good joke. The more you got to know Mr. Fitch the more fascinated you had to be with his wonderful life. He stayed very active far longer than most and had a golf swing in his 80s that I admired! A marvelous booming voice well suited for the church choir, and we always wanted to have a little more of his time or try to make him laugh. Mr. Fitch always had legendary stories to tell, but no story is as legendary as his own. Until we meet again on the heavenly golf courses, Wilson!
- Doug Uhazie
K
Kathy Emison posted a condolence
Tuesday, March 1, 2022
We were honored to spend many days on and around Ontario Golf Club with Wilson and Mary Lou. He was always our first call when we needed a golf rule clarification. He was a great man and an inspiration to all. So sorry for your loss.
Kathy and Randy Emison
E
Elizabeth Marvin posted a condolence
Sunday, February 27, 2022
Wilson was an absolute "fixture" in the Third Presbyterian Choir. He had such a personality and such a voice! I remember so many wonderful stories about Wilson during the Ted Hollenbach days, including the time that Wilson started a "fight" shot a starter pistol and scared the living daylights out of our director (and everyone else). Wilson had memorable roles as a soloist in the Good Friday "Visit to the Sepulchre" and post-Christmas Boar's Head Festival as Good King Wenceslas. He was a warm and loving presence in the choir, and we will miss him! We are thinking of you, Mary Lou.
L
Larry Weishaar posted a condolence
Sunday, February 27, 2022
I was a member of the Class of '62, which was the first class to complete all four years of high school at Eastridge High. Everything was new for us, the building, the teachers, and many classmates. The teachers were for the most part very helpful and sympathetic to us as freshmen, but Mr. Fitch stood out among them. He was stern but friendly, and was a great gym teacher. I always enjoyed his instructional style and teaching ability.
My sincerest condolences to his wife and family.
Larry Weishaar
S
Steve Masciangelo lit a candle
Sunday, February 27, 2022
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-gestures/Candle3.png
I worked at Ontario Golf Club where Wilson was a member. He was a great man and an asset to the game of golf.
D
David Fitch posted a condolence
Sunday, February 27, 2022
What a nice man. Years ago we discovered we had the same last name. Every now and then we would run into each other at a golf event and he always had time to kibitz with me. Sorry for your loss. Dave Fitch
D
David Ackroyd posted a condolence
Wednesday, February 23, 2022
Wilson was my physical education teacher at Durand-Eastman School in 1950. Fast forward to 1962 and he was my teaching colleague at Eastridge High School. He was my administrative mentor at Eastridge, my colleague, and my friend. RIP!
M
Marge Miller posted a condolence
Wednesday, February 23, 2022
Fondly remember Mr. Fitch from PE classes. Condolences to the family.
Marge Sabatini Miller
EHS Class of 1966
W
Wendy Burger lit a candle
Tuesday, February 22, 2022
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-gestures/Candle4.png
I have fond memories of Mr. Fitch ~ always friendly & smiling, even years after graduation when I'd see him out & about. My deepest sympathies to Heidi & all the family
Wendy (Kosel) Burger
Eastridge, Class of 1980
D
Dale Crosby posted a symbolic gesture
Tuesday, February 22, 2022
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-gestures/v2/golf.png
Mr. Fitch will certainly be missed. I remember standing next to him while singing the Hallelujah Chorus at the EHS Christmas concert one year. Boy could he sing. You could always pick out his voice, especially if it was the National Anthem at a football game.
He was a my father's closest friend. They spent many days playing golf and nights and Saturdays playing pool and kept each others hair cut. I have very fond memories of him.
Dale Crosby
A
Ajcarafos posted a condolence
Tuesday, February 22, 2022
.Great man You were and you were one that took time show and explain many of life lessons.till this day I still use thank you
T
A tree was planted in memory of Wilson Fitch, Jr.
Tuesday, February 22, 2022
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-store/memorial-tree.jpg
With loving memories of "Wilson Fitch, Jr.",
Please wait
M
Mark Freese posted a condolence
Tuesday, February 22, 2022
Mr. Fitch was such a great man. God Bless him and your family.
Mark Freese EHS 1979
J
Jody Caldwell posted a condolence
Tuesday, February 22, 2022
Mr. Fitch cut me slack and helped keep me sane my senior year. I’ll be forever grateful for his understanding.
I’ll be holding his family in the light.
Jody Caldwell,
Eastridge, 1972.
L
Lori Heimann Williams posted a condolence
Tuesday, February 22, 2022
I used to work in the office (collecting attendance cards) so he knew who I was. One day my friend and I went to Bill Grays for lunch. In walks Mr. Fitch, Dr. Burn, and Mr. Massino. They ordered and then walked over to our table with their trays of food. Mr Fitch said, Hello Ladies. Mind if we join you. When we were finished eating, he said, you WILL be waiting for me in my office when I return, right?
When he finally came back, He gently closed his office door, turned and said, Next time you go out for lunch, let me know where you're going and I'll make sure we go somewhere else And he laughed. Not at all what I expected.
It was so nice to see him several years ago at the multi-class reunion. Much respect for him. Prayers for his family.
D
Dave posted a condolence
Tuesday, February 22, 2022
Sincere condolences on the passing of Coach Fitch.
I had the pleasure of playing basketball for him at Eastridge HS in the 80's.
He will always be one of my favorite coaches and remember his perfect underhand foul shots.
RIP Coach Fitch.
~D.Calus
T
Thomas M. Tette posted a symbolic gesture
Tuesday, February 22, 2022
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-gestures/v2/dove.png
A great man who will be missed by all.
M
Mary Beth Albright Catalano posted a condolence
Tuesday, February 22, 2022
A million years ago, when I first moved to Irondequoit and my freshman year at Eastridge - I was caught skipping school and pulled into Mr. Fitch's office. I was so scared, I was a good girl and this was the first time I had ever been pulled into the principal's office. My mother came in and I rmember her telling him that at my previous school we were allowed to leave for lunch. He told her that was not the case here and drilled me with "the stare". My mother assured him that it would not happen again. It did - I just didn't get caught...
He always had a smile for me after that unless I was acting up - then it was "the stare".
D
Douglas R Crosby uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, February 22, 2022
/public-file/3110/Ultra/d54e2b20-6373-4c3f-b1f8-75bd5e6c3e7a.jpg
So many of my memories of childhood have Mr. Fitch and his family in them. He and my father were friends, colleagues and golf buddies for years and years. My condolences to his wife and family. He will be missed.
K
Karen Panchyshyn posted a condolence
Tuesday, February 22, 2022
Mr. Fitch...I remember him well. Maybe not as well as my brothers did, but he was always smiling (when he didn't have a whistle in his mouth). He was fair, kind and generous of his time.
I will never forget Mr. Fitch. My brother Ed Koehler was one of his challenges and one of he great successes.
Here's to you Mr. Fitch! May you rest in peace with your heavenly family and hear our prayers for your repose.
F
The family of Wilson W. Fitch, Jr. uploaded a photo
Monday, February 21, 2022
/tribute-images/8679/Ultra/Wilson-Fitch-Jr.jpg
Please wait
A Memorial Tree was planted for Wilson Fitch, Jr.
Monday, February 21, 2022
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-store/memorial-tree.jpg
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ the staff at Paul W. Harris Funeral Home
Please wait
Explore
Question?
Email*:
Name*:
Message*:
Please enter the numbers and letters you see in the image. Note that the case of the letters entered matters.*:
There are some invalid fields.
Please wait...
Message has been successfully sent.