Obituary of Charles Anthony DeVitto

Warrensburg: Charles A. DeVitto, 80, of Orton Dr., passed away peacefully Sunday, September, 30, 2012 at his home, surrounded by his loving family. Born June 19, 1932 in Port Henry, he was the son of the late Anthony and Lucy (LaPeter) DeVitto. Chuck was a 1950 graduate of Port Henry High School, where he was a star athlete in football, basketball, and baseball. He enlisted in the United States Navy in 1951, admirably serving his country aboard the U.S.S. Leyte during the Korean Conflict. He received a commendation for his outstanding courage and meritorious service in aiding the rescue of personnel after a disastrous explosion and fire aboard the aircraft carrier on October 11, 1953. While in the service, he was the catcher for the U.S. Naval team, playing in countries around the world. Upon his honorable discharge in 1955, Chuck was signed by the New York Yankees organization and reported to the minor-league affiliate, Winston-Salem in North Carolina. After suffering a serious shoulder injury, which ended his professional baseball career, he enrolled at Plattsburgh State University, where he obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. Chuck taught at Moriah Central School in Mineville from 1958-1963, and in the South Glens Falls School District from 1963-1965 before receiving his Master’s Degree in Administration from Plattsburgh State; that same year, he married the love of his life, Constance Nolan. He was hired as the first elementary school Principal at Warrensburg Central School; during the 25 years he was employed by the district, he started the Head Start and Summer Remedial Reading and Math Programs, as well as acquiring federal grants for Title I and II building improvements and library resources. Chuck served as Chairperson and fund raiser with the Kiwanis Club for the first Warrensburg community playground. He was an active member of the Kiwanis Club, Knights of Columbus, VFW, American Legion, and attended St. Cecilia’s Church. Chuck was well known as a fierce competitor in all sports, something that carried over to his work ethic and way of life. He got great joy from gardening, cooking, traveling, sports, hunting, fishing, and story telling with his grandchildren. He also enjoyed playing the horses and card games with his close friends. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his sisters, Mary Horton and Margaret Rouba and a brother, Gabriel DeVitto. Chuck is survived by his beloved wife of 47 years, Constance DeVitto of Warrensburg; daughters, Kelly Nisiewicz and her husband, Joseph of Delmar; Kimberly Grippa of Ormond Beach, FL; and Kristen Bertagnolli and her husband, Michael of Pace, FL. He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Joseph and Hope Nisiewicz, Nicole and Grace Grippa, and Alexander and Ashlyn Bertagnolli. Friends may call on Chuck’s family from 4-7 pm, Thursday, October 4, 2012 at Alexander-Baker Funeral Home, 3809 Main St., Warrensburg. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am, Friday, October 5, 2012 at St. Cecilia’s Roman Catholic Church, 3802 Main St., Warrensburg, with Father Paul Cox, officiating. Rite of Committal with military honors will follow in St. Cecilia’s Cemetery, Warrensburg. Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations in Chuck’s memory to St. Cecilia’s Church, Warrensburg EMS, or The Renal Center of Glens Falls Hospital. Chuck’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Mihindu, Dr. Villajuan, and Dr. Layden, as well as the staff at The Renal Center and on Tower 3 at the Glens Falls Hospital for the exceptional, compassionate care they provided him, along with the many wonderful people who touched his life during his long illness. Please visit www.alexanderfh.net for online guestbook, condolences and directions.