Keith Zitta

April 9th, 1943 - December 22nd, 2018

Keith's Memory Wall

We encourage you to share your most beloved memories of Keith here, so that the family and other loved ones can always see it. Share your favorite stories or comment on those shared by others.

To Linda and your family, We were all saddened to hear of Keith's passing. He fought the battle hard and long. He was a great golf coach to both of our kids, and taught them some good life lessons. He was also a good friend to Jack and I. Keith was one of the many special people Jack missed when we sold the store, and retired. Our condolences, again to you and your family. He will be missed, but remembered with a smile.

Jack and Nancy Ruess

December 31st, 2018 at 12:00am

Linda, I have known Keith since very young. His Parents restaurant being next door and of course when they also had the food stand at the beach. His sister Kay was a friend as well as was his parents. They did love the neighborhood kids. Maybe that's where he learn about helping and caring about younger children. I understand he was an outstanding teacher. Having been in my husbands class in High school, it was always a pleasure to be able to catch up with his life at the reunions. Know that my prayers are with you and the family. My most sincere condolences Linda. Arlene Mak

Arlene Mak

December 27th, 2018 at 12:00am

Keith - We moved from St. Joseph to Watervliet in 1980. Our son, Steve's first experience in Waterviet Schools was in your class. He loved you! Your fun personality and joy of children was obvious. Two years later you had our daughter, Jamie in your class. She also loved you and was so excited when you lifted her up and put her in the garbage can in the hall. It was a "he likes me" experience. (Probably couldn't do that today.) You stopped by our home to visit often and we were professional partners in the educational world of Watervliet Schools. Our daughter, Jamie was so happy that you attended her wedding. Thank you for your outstanding talent as a teacher and for your friendship as an educator. To Kieth's family - Thank you for sharing him......

Mary Spessard

December 26th, 2018 at 12:00am

To Mr Zitta’s family - my condolences on your loss. He was the most influential teacher in my life at Watervliet when he was my teacher in 5th grade. I often wish I had seen him again to tell him the advice he gave me in back then when kids were teasing me to ‘be like a turtle with a shell or a duck with feathers and let the comments roll off like water and don’t let them bother you or impact you.’ His support and quiet guidance that year changed my life - he along with my mom/dad taught me to be resilient. It’s one of the reasons I went to college and eventually became successful in my career in the Army (a Colonel). He was a wonderful teacher and man.

Holly Gay

December 26th, 2018 at 12:00am

Mr. Zitta shared photos of himself in the Navy when i was in 6th Grade. I was memorized by some of the stories he shared with the class and I as im sure they were edited for a 6th graders mind. Almost 19 years since that was distill into my memory. I never had the chance to see or tell you in person this story but thank you. I can proudly say i followed in your footsteps and have been in the Navy now for 12 years strong. Thank you for sharing your story with me all those years ago and thank you for teaching me how to play golf as well. I am much better than i was back then. God bless you and rest in peace.

William Pflugradt

December 26th, 2018 at 12:00am

My son, Josh had Mr. Zitta as a teacher and also a coach. When my mother (Josh’s grandma) died, Mr. Zitta came to our home and brought a Sympathy card. He hugged Josh and even cried with him, which was so heart warming. He was Josh’s golf coach all through high school, and it was clear that he did truly love the kids and loved being a mentor. Anyone entering the teaching profession could look at him as a prime example of a teacher dedicated to his profession. Rest In Peace.

Keith Zitta

Keith's Memory Wall

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