1934
2015
Michael G. Pitts was born in Brooklyn, New York on June 27, 1934. After graduating from high school, he entered the United States Marine Corps in February 1953. His recruit training was at Parris Island, S.C., and advanced infantry training at Camp Pendleton, CA.. He was assigned to the 3rd Marine Division, where he served as a field wireman with the 12th Marines at Camp McNair, Japan until November 1954.
Following a tour as a communications NCO with the 2nd Marine Division at Camp Lejeune, NC., he completed Marine Embassy Guard School and was assigned to Bern, Switzerland, where he served 28 months.
Returning to the 2nd Marine Division, he received a lateral transfer to Public Information field and was assigned as the NCOIC of the Division's PAO office Radio/TV section at Camp Lejeune. During this tour he attended the U.S. Navy School of Journalism at Great Lakes, Ill., finishing first in his class of 46 students.
Following a tour with the 5th Marine Corps District in Washington D.C., then SSgt Pitts served for 12 months as combat correspondent in the Republic of Vietnam, where he was commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant in July 1966. Returning to the United States, he was assigned as Press Officer in the Division of Information at Marine Corps Headquarters in Washington, where he served until June 1969. He returned to Vietnam for another 13 month tour of duty, serving as Detachment Commander and Network News Officer with the American Forces Vietnam Network.
In 1970, then Capt. Pitts was assigned to the Public Affairs Office in Quantico, VA, where he served as Assistant Officer-in-Charge until his retirement from the Marine Corps in September 1972.
Following his Marine Corps career, Mr. Pitts worked as a news writer/editor at the Voice of America Broadcasting Service in Washington D.C. and for the next fourteen years as Security Shift Supervisor at Potomac Mills Mall in Woodbridge, VA. He and his wife moved to Lake of the Woods in June 2000.
Mr Pitts was three time past National President of the United States Marine Corps Combat Correspondents Association; Past President of the USMCCCA's Washington Chapter; Life member, past president and past chief of the Dale City, Va., Volunteer Fire Dept.; Life member of the VFW; member of the American Legion and Marine Mustang Association; life member of the Marine Embassy Guard Association; and former EMT and state of Virginia Emergency Medical Technician Instructor.
His military medals and decorations include: The Navy and Marine Corps Medal for heroism, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy Commendation Medal with combat "V", Purple Heart Medal, Combat Action Ribbon and two awards of the Presidential Unit Citation.
He was married for more then 52 years to the former Sarah J. Peters of Philipsburg, PA., who died in 2010.
He is survived by five children, Edward of Warrenton, Mark of Lone Oak, TX; Steve of Dumfries, VA, Catherine of Pheonix, AZ, and Christopher of Garrisonville, VA and seven grandchildren, Brock, Brittany, Breigh, Noah, Allison, Ethan, and Veronica.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
September 9, 2015
Michael Minardi
I met Mike through the USMCCCA and he will greatly be missed. He was a super guy and an outstanding Marine. Please accept my deepest condolences. Semper Fidelis, SSGT Michael J. Minardi.
E-mail: [email protected]
August 6, 2015
Bob Jordan
Few who met Mike after he retired really knew what a pro he was ... and how much he cared about those with whom he served. He was truly a humble servant for the CCs and the Marine Corps who was ever ready to lift someone else up and to do whatever needed to be done to accomplish the mission. He felt deeply about his Corps Country and his fellow Marines. He had the soul of a swashbuckler ... but the dedication and coolness of a Marine leader.
August 3, 2015
Mary Christine Outland Burnett
May God Comfort this beautiful family during the loss of such a hero. Mr. Pitts was a great man, father and friend. I left Dale City as a teenager but his name always meant family to me . My condolences on behalf of my mother, Salee M Outland and myself, Mary Chris. I love you all and blessed to have been a part of your lives. Sending hugs!!!
August 3, 2015
George Hopper
I knew Mike through the Dale City Volunteer Fire Dept. He was truly a one-of-kind personality in the best sense. My deepest condolences on your loss. Chief Pitts will be truly missed.
August 3, 2015
Cynthia Atwood
You all have my condolences. Mike is a friend who will be sorely missed. You all show that he was a father and mentor who is deeply cherished. I trust he rests in peace with Sarah. Cynthia Atwood
August 3, 2015
Tracey Hecox
August 3, 2015
Tracey Hecox
To the Pitts Family - Please accept my sincerest condolences on the passing of your dad. He was a true gem and so miss our many conversations while at the mall with his invaluable insights, wits and wisdom. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers during this time and always!
August 2, 2015
Mike, we will miss you so much. Condolences to your family. Be sure to say hi to Sarah from us. George and Betty Beck
August 2, 2015
Fay Potter
I have enjoyed knowing Mike for just three years through water aerobics at Wilderness. He, even when not feeling well, maintained his sense of humor. I would often call out to him, "Come on, Mike, you know the words to this". And, yes, if he did he would absolutely sing. Not so much the current music, though, but he would frown through it. He was always a good sport and committed to keeping up with wa even when you knew he didn't feel up to it.
The only other thing that I would mention is that he was truly a humble person, as I had no idea of his exemplary career and medals that he had been awarded.
I will miss you, Mike!
August 2, 2015
Gene & Kay McKenna
I will miss my brother Marine, golfing buddy, and friend.
Michael, may God hold you in the hollow of His hand.
Our condolences to the Pitts family.
August 2, 2015
To the Pitts family, my sincere condolences on the passing of your husband and father. His contributions to the community and his deep love of family will be missed. I have fond memories of his sterling play-by-play at G-F Indians football games.
Randy Anthony and family.
August 2, 2015
Fast Eddie Evans
Someone has already noted that Mike Pitts was one of a kind, and there shall never be another. For those of us passing gently, and otherwise, into history, the legends of Mike Pitts serve to continue a colorful legacy; excellence with a sense of humor. You will be missed, sir. You are already. See you at Guard Mount.
August 1, 2015
Cynthia -- May God watch over you and your family during this time of grieving. I didn't know Mike, but I worked with you and soooo much respected your PA and Marine Corps ethic. Your brother is with God......and that is great! Mike Hedlund
August 1, 2015
I have so enjoyed knowing Mike. He and I shared the water at the Wilderness aerobics classes for the past 3 years. He was our first male regular, who was finally joined by other men this past year. He was steady in is attendance although he was in pain a great deal of the time. It was an honor to have known him, and will be missed greatly. Marty Caldwell (Locust Grove, VA)
August 1, 2015
Suzanne Rose
Dear Mr. Pitts,
Thankful for the time we spent together for the Warranton holiday get togethers with you and Mrs. Pitts. You are so loved and will be dearly missed by your family and friends. You packed so much into your life and I am sure you are happily reuniting with Mrs. Pitts now. Gods Speed! Wishing peace and comfort to all your family as they now walk this journey without your physical presence and must now hold the rich memories close in their minds and hearts. Love from the Lubkowski's
August 1, 2015
Ed Rainsberger
Mike, there was only one of you, you will be missed.
August 1, 2015
George Hijar
I remember Capt. Pitts well because he was my first Public Affairs Officer when I lateral moved to PAO and was assigned to MCDEC, Quantico, Va. Even though he retired shortly after I arrived at Quantico, we maintained a friendship through personal contact and thought the CCs. When I retired from the Marine Corps in 1993, I stayed in Virginia and was a member of the Jim Lucas Chapter of the CCs where I kept in contact with Mike. I last heard from him though an e-mail about a month ago. He was an outstanding person, an exemplary Marine, and a great leader. I always thanked him for the high standards he set for me in PAO, which remained with me my entire career. May you rest in peace, Mike. God bless you and keep you by His side. Semper Fi, George E. Hijar, MGySgt, USMC (Ret)
August 1, 2015
A True Hero
August 1, 2015
Sally Pritchett
Mike has been a true friend for many years and I will miss him terribly. Wondering if anyone can dance where he is. Semper Fi, Mike
August 1, 2015
Chuck Crum
I am so sorry. May his soul rest in heaven
July 31, 2015
Sara Toye
I only knew Mike briefly and only at water exercise classes, but from the first time I met him, I admired his determination, tenacity, and great sense of humor. He will be missed.
July 31, 2015
For the Combat Correspondents, Mike was one of the true Tribal Elders. He leaves a vacancy which cannot be filled. Semper Fi Brother.
-Cal Openshaw
July 31, 2015
Carol Greeney
I will miss your music critiques and shout outs at the pool. You were one of my hardest workers and always there--even when you weren't feeling well. You will certainly be missed at our water fitness classes.
July 30, 2015
Chris Whiting
My condolences, Mike Pitts was a fixture in the USMCCCA, and he will be missed.
July 30, 2015
Don Coleman
I thought I'd never cry. But I did! Mike, my buddy. I know you are in heaven with your issued bride. You two will always remain close to my heart. I know that our hijinks at CC conferences was sometime looked at with an "oh no now what," thought, but none was more precious than our wives looking at us as we crawled down the hall and ran into a pair of legs.
Mike, I miss you and I hope to see you in heaven.
Don Coleman
July 30, 2015
Bruce and Linda Reynolds
So many memories of a good friend, a caring man and a wonderful husband and father.
July 30, 2015
Dan Bisher
I admired Mike as a Staff Sergeant. I admired him as a commissioned officer. I admired him for many years, even though we seldom saw each other face-to-face. I'll never forget the kind things he said about me to younger Marines during a USMCCC annual meeting in Las Vegas several years ago. He was a special person and one hellava Marine. Semper Fi! RIP
July 30, 2015
Eddie Pitts
There isn't enough space here for me to express how I feel about such a caring father, devoted husband, reliable friend, exceptional Marine, knowledgeable coach and selfless public servant. Thank you Pop for all that you are and all that you did. I miss you terribly already. Today the earth is poorer, but heaven is richer.
July 30, 2015
Russ & Debbie Thurman
In a world of imitators, Mike was an original. Salutes.
Semper Fi,
July 30, 2015
Phil Hartranft
Gone but never to be forgotten!
July 30, 2015
Steve Stibbens
I was a Marine with Mike for 50+ years in the wide world. Oh, the memories. Oh, the stories he will be telling up there while guarding those streets. Rest in peace, Mike. Semper Fidelis.
GySgt. Steve Stibbens, USMC
July 30, 2015
Ed Pitts
Not nearly enough room here to express my feelings about a caring father, devoted husband, exemplary Marine, fantastic friend, knowledgeable coach, and incredible public servant. I could go on, but.....Thank you for everything you are and everything you did. I already miss you terribly. Today earth is poorer, but heaven is richer.
July 30, 2015
Joey Gillette
Superlatives only begin to tell the story of this man, class act, entertaining, one of a kind, fantastic voice you could hear for miles, volunteer deluxe! Most of all Thank you for kicking my butt when it needed kicking. ~ Joey and the pukes.
July 29, 2015
Allison Pitts
I miss you and love you pop pop.
July 29, 2015
Cathy Pitts
Dad, thank you for a lifetime of love and support. You touched many, many lives and will be greatly missed.
The one and only,
Showing 1 - 35 of 35 results
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