Robert L. Wittig Jr.

0

Robert L. Wittig Jr. of West Tisbury died on September 17 at home after a long illness. He was 83. He was the husband of Patricia Silva Wittig.

Born in Hartford, Connecticut, on September 21,1929, Robert was the son of the late Robert L. Wittig and Marion Linden Wittig.

Robert graduated from Hartford Public High School in 1948 and entered the Naval Reserves for five years.

He loved music and played trumpet in various bands in the 1940s and 50s, eventually having his own big band and later on a combo.

Robert was employed by the Southern New England Telephone Company for 31 years. While there he was a member of the SNET Pistol Team for several years.

After retiring in 1982, he and his wife moved to Martha’s Vineyard where he pursued his love of fishing. Finding out none of the local tackle shops repaired reels, he set up his own home reel repair business, named Vineyard Reel Service. He later sold it and repaired reels for Dick’s Bait and Tackle.

Robert was a member of the M.V. Bass and Bluefish Derby Committee for several years. He was also served as treasurer for Grace Episcopal Church for a period of time and recently became a 50-year member of St. John’s Masonic Lodge #4 in Connecticut.

Robert is survived by his wife, Patricia, and three children by a previous marriage; Robert L. Wittig III (daughter-in-law) Vera Ann, Bruce Wittig and Matthew Wittig; four grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He was predeceased by a son, John David Wittig, and a daughter, Mary Beth Ahern.

Friends are invited to remember Robert through contributions to Tri-Town Ambulance, PO Box 457, West Tisbury, MA 02575 for their many assists during his last few months. Arrangements are under the care of the Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home, Oak Bluffs.