Obituary of Robert L. Fitch

Pittsford, N.Y. Passed away on April 6, 2023 at the age 94.  He was predeceased by his parents, Leigh. M. and Eleanor Dryer Fitch and by his wife of nearly 70 years, Virginia R. Fitch. Survived by his children, Kathryn (Brian) Jablonski, Scott (Michele) Fitch, Mary (C. Landis) Mellinger and Timothy (Jolene) Fitch, nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, and brother Mason (Rowena) Fitch.  

Bob was born in Rochester on August 9, 1928.  He grew up in Brighton, attended Brighton schools, and graduated from Clarkson University.  He was then drafted into the Army for the Korean War where he served as an instructor in the Army Corps of Engineer’s school at Ft. Belvior, Virginia teaching young officers how to build bridges.  His working life was spent with the Monroe County Dept. of Public Works serving in various positions, finally as Director of the Dept. of Transportation.  He, his Dad and Father-in-law built their home in Penfield where he and Ginny raised their family and lived for 50 years.  For the last 18 years they lived and were a part of the community at the Highlands of Pittsford.

In his youth, he was a Boy, Sea and Explorer Scout rising to the rank of Eagle.  As an adult he volunteered at the Strong Museum, Habitat for Humanity, and as a member of the Rochester and Genesee Valley Railroad, and the New York Museum of Transportation.  He was a life member of the American Society of Civil Engineers and the New York State County Highway Superintendents Association.

He was a fourth generation life member of Asbury First United Methodist Church where he and his wife were part of group that formed its Doublers’ Class over 60 years ago.  He sang in the Church choir off and on for over 60 years.  Along with this he enjoyed doing maintenance work at the church as part of the “Monday morning crew” and worked in the Storehouse, and Dining and Caring Center.

Memorial Services will be held at Asbury First on June 15^th at 1 PM, and if so desired, donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Church Building Maintenance fund (1050 East Avenue, Rochester 14607) or to Habitat for Humanity (755 Culver Rd. Rochester 14609).