FULTON, NY – Melvin W. “Mel” Sitts, 78, of Pennellville, passed away on Tuesday December 19, 2017, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Syracuse.
A native of the town of Schroeppel, he was a life resident of the Pennellville area.
Mel retired as Building and Grounds Superintendent for the Phoenix Central School District after more than 36 years of service.
He had also worked part-time as a rural delivery mail carrier for the Phoenix Post Office.
Mel had been a member of the Caughdenoy United Methodist Church and had served in the Army Reserves.
He was very active in the Phoenix community and was awarded Man of the Year in 2003.
Mel was raised a Master Mason in 1961 at Callimachus Masonic Lodge 369 and served as master in 1970, secretary 1976-86 and 1999 to present, treasurer 1987-98; staff officer for the Grand Lodge F.& A.M. State of NY as Grand Sword Bearer 1983-84; member and served as secretary of Oswego River Chapter Royal Arch Masons; Fulton Council 50 Cryptic Masons, Masonic War Veterans Post 43 and past commander and Area Representative; member of Central City Bodies Scottish Rite Valley of Syracuse; life member and secretary of Oswego Masonic Charities; member and past patron of Phoenix Chapter 172 Order of the Eastern Star and Daddy for the Organization of Triangles.
Mel loved to play golf and spending time with his grandchildren and he enjoyed fishing.
Surviving are his wife of 53 years, Linda Sikes Sitts of Pennellville; children, Renee (Joseph) Cole of Camillus and Jeffrey Sitts of Pennellville; grandchildren, Samantha and Emily; great-grandchildren, Deven, Kandice and Brayden; siblings, Albert Sitts, Erma Lyboult, Frances McDowell, Clara Geller, Nancy Raymond and Marilyn Alfano; many nieces and nephews.
There are no calling hours or services.
A graveside ceremony will be held at Phoenix Rural Cemetery in Phoenix in the spring.
Memorial contributions are encouraged to be made to the American Cancer Society, 6725 Lyons St., POB 7, East Syracuse, NY 13057.
Foster Funeral Home in Fulton has care of arrangements.
Foster Funeral Home, Inc.
www.fosterfuneralhome.com
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Dear Linda, Jeff, Renee, and family,
We are very sad to hear about Mel’s passing. Our whole family loved him. We were blessed to have such a wonderful neighbor and friend.
Mel was always busy working at something and always with a big smileon his face. Jon would disappear for a while at the house sometimes and he was over talking to Mel or sharing a beer with him and Jeff too. Our thoughts are with you all at this time. Love Jon, Vicki, Kevin, and Crystal
Such sad news at what should otherwise be a joyful season. We send our deepest sympathy to the family and will surely pray for Mel’s soul. God bless your family and rest in peace dear friend.
Mel was a great friend. Very easy to be with. Always jovial, quick with a smile and kind hearted. My first job was working for Mel mopping floors at Cherry Street school. He taught me how to drive a stick shift ( three on a tree as he would say). Mel was voted most likely to succeed by his high school senior class. You certainly did Mel. You certainly did.
As a former teacher of Mel’s grandchild and two grandchildren, I got to know and enjoy the family. I am truly sad to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.