Fitch, Gordon

Gordon B. Fitch, Jr., age 76 , of Gloucester and St. Peter Beach, FL, formerly of Wilmington, died on Saturday, November 15, 2008, at home surrounded by his family.

Born on October 17, 1932, in Johnstown, New York, Gordon was the son of the late Gordon B., Sr. & Luisa M. (Eastman) Fitch. He grew up in Belmont, MA, and was a graduate of Belmont High School, where he was a three sport athlete competing on the Football, Hockey, and Track teams. Following High School, Gordon was attending Bentley College in Waltham, MA, when he was drafted into the United States Army during the Korean War.

After serving his country and being honorably discharged Gordon married his sweetheart Pauline M. Skilton on May 7, 1955, they moved to Wilmington in August of that year and started their family. Gordon was a very hard worker, he started two family businesses Micro Dial which was started in June of 1959 and several years later Fitch & Sons Construction Company both in Wilmington. He was also a partner for a few years in the Cinnamon Lounge which was located in Lowell. Gordon retired in 1986.

Gordon was also very active in the Community of Wilmington, he helped organize Youth Hockey at the outdoor rink on Chestnut Street, he was one of the first Pee Wee Hockey Coaches, he went on to coach Bantam Hockey, and stayed active in Wilmington Youth Hockey for many years in different capacities. Gordon was also a member of the Wilmington Lions Club. Gordon enjoyed time spent with his family, they loved to summer in Gloucester and enjoyed sailing, they bought their Gloucester home in 1965, and with the help of family they created a beautiful home for all of his family to enjoy. Following his retirement, Gordon and his wife spent 6 months of the year in the Gloucester home and 6 months at their Florida home located at St. Pete Beach. In his spare time Gordon loved to play tennis, woodcarving, collecting old clocks, and making stained glass.

Gordon is survived by his beloved wife Pauline M. (Skilton) Fitch of Gloucester, he was the devoted father of Paul Fitch & his wife Karen of Danvers, John Fitch & his wife Rosalie, Gordie Fitch & his wife Helen all of Wilmington, and Janelle Fitch-Vaal & her husband Bruce of Meredith, NH, and he was the loving “Grandpa” of 9 grandchildren.

Graveside Services will be held on Wednesday, November 19th in Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington, at 10:00 a.m. Visiting hours will be on Tuesday, November 18th at the Nichols Funeral Home, Inc., 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington from 4:00-8:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers donations in Gordon’s name made to Hospice of the North Shore, 10 Elm St. #1, Danvers, MA 01923 or to the Cape Ann Animal Aid, 260 Main St., Gloucester, MA 01930.

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