Keith Zitta

Keith Zitta, 75, of St. Joseph, passed away, Saturday, December 22, 2018 at Hanson Hospice Center in Stevensville. Private family services will be held at Riverview Cemetery in St. Joseph.  Memorial donations in Keith’s name may be made to Watervliet Public Schools Athletic Program or Fairplain Presbyterian Church, 210 W. Napier Ave., Benton Harbor.  Those wishing to sign Keith’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Keith was born April 9, 1943 in Leeds, Yorkshire, England to Frank & Audrey (Hirst) Zitta.  Keith moved to the United States with his Mother at the age of five.  He graduated from St. Joseph High School, Class of 1961 and from Northern Arizona University in 1968.  Keith served his country for three years in the US Navy, stationed aboard the USS Joseph P. Kennedy submarine.  Keith began teaching in 1975 for Watervliet Public Schools as a 5th & 6th grade teacher.  While teaching he obtained his Masters Degree from Andrew’s University in 1980.  Keith loved his “Kids”, never referring to them as students.  He also served as Watervliet’s golf coach.  He retired in 2005 after thirty years.  Keith also served as the director for the summer recreation program at Kiwanis Park for nearly twenty years.  In his free time, Keith enjoyed bowling, golfing, and the time spent with his family, especially his grandchildren. Keith is survived by his wife, the former Linda Johnson, whom he married August 18, 1989 in Paw Paw; his son Charles E. (Tracey) Zitta of St. Joseph and their children Charlie & Michael; his daughter Rebecca L. (Kevin) Banyon of Stevensville and their children Connor, Owen, Will & Emma.  He was preceded in death by his parents, and his sister Kay Zitta Dansfield.