Obituary of William Francis Pitts

William Francis Pitts, a proud veteran of the Korean War, passed away at 86 years of age while at the Meadow Green Nursing and Rehabilitation Center on Sunday evening, October 14, 2018, surrounded by loved ones. He and his surviving wife Georgina (Goffredo) shared 64 years together.

Bill was one of three children born to Canadian immigrants, the late William and Lorraine Pitts. He was born in Cambridge and raised in Somerville. After graduating from Somerville High School, he served his country in the United States Navy as a Chief Gunner’s Mate during the Korean War. Bill was very proud to be a Veteran and talked extensively about his wartime experiences. The one that he spoke about the most was the Battle of Inchon, which resulted in victory. The operation involved some 75,000 troops and 261 naval vessels that led to the recapture of the Southern Korean capital of Seoul. Bill was the recipient of the Navy Occupation Service Medal, China Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Commendation Medal and Good Conduct Medal. Earning the Presidential Unit Citation and the Navy Commendation Medal were two of his proudest accomplishments as they honored his heroic achievements of service during combat.

Bill married Georgina Goffredo in 1955. They lived in East Cambridge, Woburn and Watertown before settling in Burlington in 1983.  Bill had a long career working for the New England Telephone Company as a Linesman and known as the ultimate troubleshooter retiring at the age of 57.  Bill was a “jack-of-all-trades” and a talented craftsman. There wasn’t a project he couldn’t or wouldn’t tackle from electrical, plumbing, masonry and carpentry. Bill’s favorite hobby was working on his cars.  He kept them immaculately clean and did his own engine repairs and maintenance. While he endlessly worked to support his family on average 80 hours per week, he still made time to celebrate his loved ones even after long days of strenuous work. He would take his daughters, Lorraine and Wendy, with their friends tobogganing and ice skating in the winter. He created unique traditions that his family holds dear to this day. He made each and every family member feel cherished in his own way.  

Bill and Georgina enjoyed occasional trips to Las Vegas and Foxwoods.  Summer vacations for the Pitts family were spent at Weirs Beach on Lake Winnipesaukee.  Although outwardly strong and silent his family knew that privately he was a very affectionate, sentimental father and grandfather. Bill Pitts was a proud veteran, a loving and protective husband, father and grandfather. He has made a lasting positive impact on his community, his family and his friends. Bill Pitts will be greatly missed by his family and friends all of whom are proud to have known him and are better for it.

Bill was the beloved husband of Georgina (Goffredo). He was the loving father of Lorraine Gratta & her husband Paul of Cohasset, and Wendy Alcindor of Watertown. Proud grandfather of Vincent Gratta, Vanessa McMillan and her husband Christopher, Brooke Hammel & her husband David and Alexander Alcindor. Great grandfather of Wesley Peter McMillan. Brother of the late Vernon Pitts and Muriel Kappler. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Margaret’s Church, 111 Winn St., Burlington on Saturday, Oct. 20 at 10 a.m.  Relatives & friends respectfully invited to attend.  Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bill’s name may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8517.