"A huge chunk of me is gone. I have lost a lot of close relatives and friends over the years, but none have left a void and emptiness in my heart than my dear beloved brother Fred. We were best friends, sharing just about every thing together. when we are on the phone one could tell who was on the other end by our laughing, it's a Pitter brother's trade mark. I have shed a lot of tears during the last two weeks. He was full of humor. His love for family was unmatched. He was one of the kindest person I know. KID, rest in piece my BROTHER."
In loving memory of
Roy F Pitter
April 27, 1939 - December 23, 2014
Roy Frederick Pitter was born on April 27, 1939 to Frederick Morgan Pitter and Lynette Pitter- McFarlene in Black River Jamaica. He was the youngest of their three boys.
Fred or "Freddy" as he was affectionately called grew up with his brothers Lloyd, Hugh and sister Daphne in Appleton, Jamaica. He attended Shiloh Primary School in Jamaica and St. Monica College in Kingston, Jamaica. In August 1956 he moved to Brooklyn, New York where he joined his Mother Lynette and step-father Irvin McFarlane and brothers Lloyd and Hugh. He attended Erasmus Hall High School and graduated in 1958.
On October 1, 1958 he enlisted in the United States Air Force. He served at Shaw AFB, South Carolina, Wheelus Air Base, Tripoli, Libya, (North Africa), Dyess AFB, Texas, Ramey AFB Puerto Rico, and Pease AFB, New Hampshire as Accounting and Finance specialist until his release from active duty on November 30, 1966 with the rank of Airman First Class (E-4). On December 16, 1966 he entered New York Air National Guard 106 Air Refueling Group as an Accounting Specialist. He was then promoted to Senior Master Sergeant on June 15, 1974. He earned the rank of Captain in the Air National Guard, Reserve of the Air Force on March 9, 1979. While working full time he earned a Bachelor's of Science in Business Management, Minor in Accounting from New York Institute of Technology in 1978. He also has an Associate of Arts and Associates of Applied Sciences degrees in Business Administration Management and Resource Management Technology. He was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel on March 8, 1993. On April 30, 1999 he retired with the rank of Colonel.
In 1969 Freddy married Alice Chapman. The union produced two daughters Tricia Lynnette and Cherisse Lavern. His daughters were his pride and joy.
In 2001 Fred married Monica Lynch. They traveled the world together. You could often find them at a date night at the movies, cheering on the Miami Heat or worshiping together at church service.
Freddy was kind, warm, loving and lots of fun. He loved his family and friends and was happiest when he was spending time with them laughing and telling jokes. He made everyone feel welcome in his home. Whenever there was a social gathering you could find him on the dance floor. He enjoyed writing, poetry, and was often called upon to give speeches and gave himself the name "Rhyming Roy". He was a caring person who loved to talk. He would have a conversation with whomever he came in contact with.
He leaves to cherish his memory his wife Monica Pitter, Daughters Cherisse Burley (Chris Burley), Tricia Worthy (Matthew Worthy), Michelle Peters, Grandchildren; Shayla Worthy, Cameron Burley, brother; Hugh B. Pitter, Step-brother Leslie McFarlane, sisters; Lillian Smith and Beverley Greaves and a host of nieces, nephews, friends and relatives.
Tributes
"A good friend and mentor. I am going to miss him. My condolences to Monica and his kids."
"Sincere condolences to Monica and the Pitter Family on their loss of Roy during this holiday season. I am truly stunned by his loss. Roy was always full of life and positive actions. He was the best at being your friend and confidant..Roy and I go back to Sep 1967 in our military careers, He and I traveled to many places in the United States and some overseas spots. He and I attended many military events and schools together to further our careers. Happy to report that we were successful in all we undertook. Roy's confidence and organized mind made him a valuable tribute to the team. He truly was a team player that cared for each member of the team. He let no one be left behind. I am saddened that my Best Man has been lost to me and to all his loved ones. Roy, all of your family and friends will never forget you with your strong spirit of life and happiness. Please rest in peace -All will be well in the ones you left. Have a safe journey !!! "
"Monica my sincerest condolences to you and the family. I cannot begin imagine how it must be for you, but I know you are a praying person and although it is very hard God knows best. May he rest in peace and may perpetual light shine upon him."
"Sincerest condolences to Monica and the Pitter family. We have great memories of Roy during the years. Roy you will be missed,"
"Francis and Patsy Dufour Our condolences to Monica and all family members, Fred and I had some great times together. We would call each other Bro. Francis and Bro. Fred. My last memory of Fred was on December 6, 2014 in Weston for the Good Shepherd annual get together. When we got down stairs to go to our cars, I told Fred I would follow him to his car, and then he followed me to my car, then to his. I said to him Bro. Fred do u want to follow me to my car and he busted out laughing saying another time. That's my last memory of Fred. We will miss him very much. Rest in peace my brother. Francis and Patsy"
"
Uncle Freddy, also known as Rhyming Roy, was known for his love of lyrical harmonizing, rhyming. Since his death, I have been grappling with how to honour my uncle's life, while expressing what he meant to me. I decided that a rhyming ode accomplished two things, It would have made Uncle Freddy laugh, no matter how feeble my attempt, and the second reason, it helped to ease my pain.
Rhyming Roy, oh what a joy, whether a roast or a toast, you made us laugh the most. We can hardly bare the thought of not having you physically here, truth is you will always be near. Your life radiant and bright, will continue to shine like a beacon in the night, that we might keep in sight all that is right. Kindness, thoughtfulness, dedication, they deserve meditation, meditation that we may commit to the same lasting dedication to family and friends, literally to the end. To you, there were no others like your brothers.The loving bond that you all shared was so strong. Whenever you spoke about your daughters Tricia and Cherisse, one could feel the love and pride in your voice for them. Your exemplary example, we will continue to marvel. Lunch or brunch, sun and fun, all those things, not just a blast from the past, but enduring memories that will last. The family reunion was the first, hopefully not the last, man, if ever there was a looking glass.
Love always Uncle Freddy
Stewart"
"My condolences to the Pitter Family. Col Pitter an expert financial consultant who always took care of military personnel. He was a superb mentor and role model for our youth to emulate. His outstanding military accomplishments are well documented. Roy you will be missed by your colleagues. "
"A wonderful, kind and sincere friend over the years. It was always a pleasure to be in his company, cheerful and that lasting smile. He will be missed. My heartfelt condolences to his wife and family."
"Sincere condolences to the Pitter Family. You have lost a great family member and I have lost a great friend. Roy knew how to be a friend. Sincere, loving, kind and true to his words. I will miss him dearly, his cheerful telephone conversations and beautiful cards for every occasion. Roy's pictures are in my photo albums and even on the walls of my home. and now he is on the Front Page of my Heart. May his soul rest in eternal peace."
"I first met Fred when he started dating Monica and instantly he felt like family. He was so supported of the family and Friends of Good Shepherd Mobay, Inc. Every year he would get ads for our magazine and sold tickets to his friends to attend. What a generous, kind person. When my brother (Archbishop Charles of Jamaica) would visit he was always available to take him shopping, to the airport or wherever he wanted to go. He was such a big supporter of my daughter, watching her TV shows and calling to tell me how good she was. He was one of her biggest fans and I am happy he was able to attend her wedding and we have him on video dancing and just having great fun. He was such an integral part of our organization, I know its going to be difficult organizing the next one without him. He would always greet me with a hug and a kiss & just made you feel so at ease, never speaking above you even though he was so educated but yet was so humble. Love you Fred, you will be sorely missed, may your gentle soul rest in peace."
"Roy Pitter, a gentleman in the true sense of the word, a cheerful person always a pleasure to be around. Most of all he was a friend and all who knew him will cherish all the happy memories we had with him. It was an honor to have served many years with such a genuinely kind man. "
"Our condolences to the Pitter Family and our sincere prayers for your comfort during this time. Tricia and Shayla, we send our love and prayers and ask the Lord to strengthen your hearts during this time. We love you."
"Col Pitter: One of my favorite people at the 106th. He was kind, funny and always had a ready smile for you. I remember what a gentleman he was. And how he always treated me, his subordinate, with dignity and a sense of a respect that others couldn't match among his rank. I always considered him a friend. My heart goes out to his family."
"My condolences goes out to the Pitter family. During this time of great sorrow I hope you find comfort in the reassurance that God provides in his word found at Psalms 34:18 which tells us, "Jehovah is close to the brokenhearted; He saves those who are crushed in spirit." It's my sincere hope that you are comforted by these words now and in the days ahead. "
"I already miss my dear Uncle Freddy. His intense love for his family and friends is what endeared him to everyone. I last saw Uncle Freddy in August when we all met in Montego Bay for the Pitter Family trip. What a great time we all had. Uncle Freddy insisted that we visited the home he and his brothers grew up in. He was so happy to share that moment with us. I have many more memories of Uncle Freddy that I will always hold dear to my heart. I will miss those monthly catch up phone calls and will miss him teasing me about my "good government job". I love you Uncle Freddy and will miss you but you will never be forgotten. "
"Roy Pitter was the most gentle and caring person I have ever known. I had the honor of serving with him in the 106th for almost ten years. His intelligence, humor and infectious laugh made him a joy to be around. I will miss you Roy."
"My memories of Freddie are pleasant ones for many years. He was at his happiest when he kept in touch with his family and they with him. He was a kind Uncle to the children, calling them, "Lady so and so" or "Mass so and so." I love you Freddie, and I will miss hearing your voice."
"There are so many dear moments that I have of my Uncle Freddie that I could share. I will miss his laughter, his humor and his deep love of family. He has meant so much to me in my life. I will always treasure the many fond memories i have of him. Love you, Uncle."