Sydney “Syd” Ellsworth Pitzer

Date of Death: February 23, 2018

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visitation

Amherst Chapel

1600 Amherst Street

Winchester, VA 22601

Thursday 3/1, 10:00 am - 11:00 am

service

Amherst Chapel

1600 Amherst Street

Winchester, VA 22601

Thursday 3/1, 11:00 am

memorial

Memorial contributions may be made to:

CCAP
112 South Kent Street
Winchester, Virginia 22601

Sydney Ellsworth Pitzer, 75, of Winchester, VA passed away on February 23, 2018 at his home.
Preceded in death by his mother Ruth Pitzer, father Ned H. Pitzer Sr., sister Betty Nelson and sister Cynthia Mitchell. He is survived by his wife of 34 years Bonnie D. Pitzer, brother Ned H. Pitzer Jr. (and wife Judy), sister Joy Rutherford (and husband Bob), son Chris Pitzer (and wife Lisa), son Andrew Pitzer (and wife Jessica) and his three granddaughters, Zoe, Sydnie and Myla. He is also survived by his first wife, Bonnie M. Pitzer.
Syd was born in 1942 on Talbott Farm and grew up on the Northside of Martinsburg, WV, and was a member of the “Smoke Grinders” group. He attended Martinsburg High School, was known for his basketball, baseball and football prowess, and graduated in 1960. After graduating, he attended Shepherd College. He then joined the West Virginia Air National Guard, where he served for 35 years, attaining the rank Chief Master Sergeant. At the same time he was employed at the Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company (A&P, Superfresh) working in Martinsburg, Hagerstown and Winchester for over 35 years. While in Martinsburg, he was also a member of the Martinsburg Civitan Club, and held the office of President. He then found full time employment as a civilian within the WV Air National Guard. In 1996 he retired, and with his wife Bonnie, started an antique business (Cherished Antiques and Collectables) in the Red School House at Millwood, VA. In his spare time he enjoyed following the WVU football team, visiting his sons in Richmond, VA and San Diego, CA and making weekly visits to Costco. His love of family and generosity knew no bounds. He was also a member of the Round Hill Methodist Church.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, March 1, 2018 from 10:00 – 11:00 AM at Omps Funeral Home, Amherst Chapel. A Celebration of Syd’s Life will immediately follow at 11:00 AM with Pastor David Witt officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Syd’s name may be made to CCAP, 112 South Kent St., Winchester, VA, 22601.

Chris Pitzer

Light a candle

Amherst Chapel

1600 Amherst Street

Winchester, VA 22601

Map

Thursday 3/1, 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Send Flowers & Gifts

Amherst Chapel

1600 Amherst Street

Winchester, VA 22601

Map

Thursday 3/1, 11:00 am

Send Flowers & Gifts

Memorial contributions may be made to:

CCAP
112 South Kent Street
Winchester, Virginia 22601

Send Flowers & Gifts

Watch Video Tribute

See Condolences

In memory of Sydney "Syd" Ellsworth Pitzer, Chris Pitzer lit a candle

Very sad news, Syd was one of the best men I’ve ever known and it was an honor to serve with him in the 167th!

It's funny to think you might be reading these posts. You never had a computer, cell phone or tablet. Never wanted any of them. Anyway, wanted to let you know I think about you everyday... not just Father's Day. You were a damn near perfect Dad, and I will always love you for that. LOVE, Chris.

Enjoyed looking at all of your treasures you found in your journey through life. King of the Pitzer Clan.

Bonnie, I just learned of Syd's passing. I am so sorry. I can't imagine what you have been going through. I didn't know him well but he seemed to be a very nice and well liked man. You were married for a long time so remember all the good times. He will always be in your heart and I'm sure the ache will not go away. You are in my thoughts and prayers. God keep you in his loving arms. You have another angel watching over you.

Peace of mind is a call away. We're here when you need us most.

I am still having trouble believing that Syd passed away. He and Bonnie attended our class luncheon at the Clarion in Shepherdstown a couple of weeks ago. Syd was the same as he always was at our gatherings....talking to everyone, laughing, bringing up old memories. At this particular luncheon, Syd had convinced one of our other classmates who had never attended one of our get-togethers to come to this one.....Tom Wallace. Tom and Syd were in the National Guard together before they had retired. Syd was full of stories (as always) .... and he entertained those who were nearby (as always). I will always remember his smile. Bonnie, I know you are hurting. Right now it is almost more that you can bear, but please focus on the love you had for each other and the happy times. Those times will sustain you and help you to keep him in your heart forever. The same goes to Ned, Chris and Drew, the grandchildren and the rest of the family. I can see by the video he loved all of you so much. Although I was not able to attend the service today I heard about the 8 O'clock coffee can and the singing of "Country Roads". among other tributes. Priceless!!!! I know he was looking down on all of you with love and was well pleased. God bless you!!!!.

Saddened by Syd's passing. We knew Syd first from the Air Guard and we tailgated with him at the many WVU games. He was a very kind man and will be missed by many.

“Do you know what you do at dinner time? You talk about your day! 'How was your day today? Did you have a good day today or a bad day today? Well I don't know, how was your day today?" - Cosmo Kramer

You were the Best Dad! You will be missed!!

Syd I remember you well. Great athlete. You always had a kind word.

I forgot to mention, I sadly won't be able to make the service, but rest assured, you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Dear family of Syd. I knew Syd and Ned from the Northend of Martinsburg when my family lived on Pennsylvania Ave. He being older than me, we didn't connect much. But one day, a few years ago, I visited the Old Red Schoohouse Antique shop in Millwood, VA. I had a question about an item so I walked to the checkout desk. There was this man; he looked so familiar to me and I knew he was either Syd or Ned Pitzer. So, I asked him. It was Syd. We talked over an hour about the Northend, High School, our lives up to that point and other things. Although we were never "friends" in our early days, he treated me as though we had been friends for years. He made me feel important. Thank you Syd for that! I will never forget your kindness. To Ned and the rest of the family, My deepest sympathy for your great loss. I've lost brothers and a sister; time does lessen the pain of that loss, but you will always feel them in your heart. Keep that thought.

Syd will be sadly missed at The Red Schoolhouse where he and Bonnie have been a well respected and admired part of our team for over 25 years. Our thoughts are with Bonnie and the family.

I met Mr. Syd at the antique shop in Millwood. I fell in love with a mantel clock that reminded me of the one my grandmother had and asked the price of the clock, he said I can make you a deal on that one for that’s one of ours, it was about a week before Christmas and money was tight so I asked could he hold the clock with a deposit and he said absolutely! And after writing the ticket and collecting the deposit, Syd said you know your not going to be able to enjoy the clock with it sitting here!! Take it on home with you now so you can have it over the holidays and enjoy it!! I could not believe it, I thanked him and even gave him a hug for his kindness and told him he just made my Christmas a lil brighter I will never forget his kindness and will miss talking to him at the Lil Red Schoolhouse. I’m very sorry to the Pitzer Family for their loss, your family is in my thoughts and prayers.

Love to you all. So glad Jessica married into this wonderful family.

He always made me laugh and feel as if I was one of the family. He really was like a second dad to me when I was young. Thanks so much for being a part of my life

With great shock and sadness I learned of Syd's death today. We've known each other since high school, and I always enjoyed talking to him whenever we happened to meet. I extend my deepest sympathy to the family. I will truly miss him. Tommy Stocks, Charles Town

Knew Sid from the Guards, Great Guy, condolence to the family, God Bless

So proud a man. Was fortunate to have known you.

I got news for you: YOU WERE THE BEST!

Peace of mind is a call away. We're here when you need us most.

To The Family: Carol and I are sorry for your loss. I remember Syd and his brother Ned from the Northend, when I was a child growing up on Pennsylvania Avenue. I still see Ned from time to time. Again we are sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. GOD bless you. Dave and Carol Brill

Love you Dad. Thanks for EVERYTHING. Hope your next adventure is as great as this one.

I am sorry to hear of Syd's passing. My condolences to the family He was a childhood friend and a high school classmate. He will be missed.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.