Neville Virgil Pitcher, 90, passed away on February 13, 2024. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, family story teller, along with being a trusted mentor and friend to many.
Neville was born at home in Vickeryville Michigan, to Laurence and Lucile (Long) Pitcher on November 18, 1933, and attended Vickeryville School followed by Carson City High School. He continued his education at Michigan State College but after two years it was interrupted by his military service. He joined the U.S. Army and was stationed at Fort Knox serving as tank instructor and a member of the rifle team as the Korean War ended. After serving, he married Lois Margaret Martin, daughter of Simeon and Ruby (Andrews) Martin of Stanton in 1956. Neville then completed his undergraduate degree in Residential Building and Lumberyard Management from Michigan State University and graduated in 1958.
He was a long-time business owner (54 years) of construction and remodeling businesses, first as Pitcher Brothers Construction, Building Associates and finally Interiors by Neville, a business that still bears his name. He enjoyed traveling extensively throughout the U.S. and abroad. Neville was proud to have visited all 50 states and especially enjoyed National Parks. He was a long-time golfer and member of Gratiot County Club and enjoyed many outdoor activities.
Serving his community was always a priority for Neville. After settling in Ithaca, he joined the JCs, Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club, the Ithaca Lodge of the Free and Accepted Masons of Michigan, and the local planning and zoning commissions. At the state level, he was on the boards of the Lansing Chapter of the National Homebuilders Association (President), and the Michigan State University College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Alumni Association.
Neville’s impact on the local community is undeniable. It is hard to drive down a local road where he has not built or remodeled a home, designed a kitchen or a bathroom or installed a hot tub. Through over 50 years in business, he has an amazing network. It was rare for him to meet someone new and to not find a common friend or acquaintance in the process.
Neville is survived by his wife of 67 years (Lois Margaret Martin Pitcher), children Jane (Stephen) Dulski of Sammamish, WA, James (Kimberly) Pitcher of Valparaiso, IN and Jay (Carrie) Pitcher of San Antonio, TX; grandchildren Matthew, Thomas and John Dulski, Zachary (Jaclyn) and Benjamin (Juliet) Pitcher, Katelyn, Margaret and Tess Pitcher; great-grandchildren Charlotte and Oliver Pitcher.
The celebration of Neville’s life will be this Saturday, February 17th at Barden’s Funeral Home in Ithaca. Visitation starts at 9:30 a.m. with the funeral beginning at 11:00 a.m. A luncheon at the Ithaca Senior Center (1011 E. North St.) will follow to share stories and memories.
The family is being served by the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca.