Kenneth Gitman, of Seminole, FL, a beloved brother, uncle, and friend, passed away Friday, February 23, 2024 at the age of 96.
Born in Bronx, NY on July 7, 1927 to Leo and Ella (Sonkin) Gitman. Kenneth lived his early years in Newport, RI where his love for fine dining, the beach and nature began. The US Army called him to duty in 1954 to serve with the 51st Signal Platoon Corps during the Korean conflict. He was discharged in 1960 as a decorated soldier. He later moved to Chicago, IL with his dear friend Joseph Goodman and resided there for 37 years.
Kenneth enjoyed a successful career with the George Lauterer Corporation doing design work. While in Illinois, Kenneth was an active square dancer, bird watcher, highly skilled bridge player and an avid traveler. After retiring Kenneth moved full-time to Belleair, FL where he continued to play bridge and acquired a taste for playing croquet. He also became a social member of the Belleair Country Club. In 2020 he moved to Lake Seminole Square in Seminole, FL where he became involved with their theatre group and continued to make new friends. He loved to entertain and was always ready with a joke and a song that kept a smile on everyone’s face. Few words can describe his love of family, friends and his kindness and generosity.
He is survived by his sisters Annette “Cookie” Pulice, Esther Dutra, his niece Diane and her husband Dave Lamb, his nephews Lawrence, Stephen and his wife Linda and James Pulice and John Dutra, and many great-nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his brother Ernest Gitman.
A graveside service will be held on Thursday, February 29, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Beth Olam Cemetery, 181 Wyatt Road, Middletown, RI.