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Ross Gardner Wittemann, 86, of Glastonbury, died on Sunday, May 1, 2016 at Hartford Hospital with loving family members at his side.
Born on Sept. 7, 1929 in Brooklyn, N.Y. to Gladys Gardner Wittemann and Herman Ludwig Wittemann, Ross spent most of his early years in Maplewood, NJ. He held a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Lehigh University. He served two years in the U. S. Army and was honorably discharged.
Ross came to the Hartford area in 1961 to become Manager of Engineering for the Loctite Corporation and was for two years president of its subsidiary in San Juan, Puerto Rico. He later served as manager of corporate development for Veeder Industries. In his last career, he worked in the commercial real estate field.
He was an avid theater-goer and he acted with amateur groups. He was particularly active with the former Mark Twain Masquers where he served as president in 1967.
He married Elizabeth (Betsy) Bues in 1967, with whom he celebrated 48 years of marriage and with whom he had two children, Audrey Wennink of Chicago; and Paul Wittemann of Arlington, Mass.
An active member of the Glastonbury Exchange Club for 40 years, he served as its president on two occasions. Ross volunteered for many years with Books for the Blind. He was on a volunteer breakfast team with the House of Bread in Hartford for more than twenty years until the time of his death.
He loved to travel. With his wife, a travel writer, he co-authored the book, The Fireside Guide to New England Inns and Restaurants, published by Wood Pond Press in 1995. He was an avid downhill skier, and especially enjoyed skiing in Vermont. He loved listening to jazz.
In addition to his wife and children, he was devoted to his two grandchildren: Claire A. Wennink of Chicago, IL and Charles Fraser Wittemann of Arlington, Mass.; his son-in-law, Herbert Wennink of Chicago; and daughter-in-law, Kate Wittemann of Arlington, Mass. He was close to his brother-and sister-in-law, Lawrence and Mary Jo Bues of Trumbull, CT and their children.
A graveside service will be held at 4 p.m. at the Green Cemetery, Hubbard Street, Glastonbury on Friday, May 6, 2016. Donations may be made to the Glastonbury Exchange Club, P. O. Box 641, Glastonbury, CT 06033.
Glastonbury Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.glastonburyfuneral.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
May 16, 2016
Dear Betsy,my deepest condolences to you and your family at the loss of Ross. He will be missed by all his Granite Shore "family" too.
David Robinson
Windemere Art&Antiques
May 9, 2016
Piero MAURI
My vivid condolence - Piero Mauri from Loctite / Italy
May 7, 2016
Ken Brown
Ross was a long-standing member of the Glastonbury Chorus and I had the privel edge of meeting him there and singing with him for many years. He was always helpful to new members and had a beautiful bass/baritone voice. I will miss him and am sending my thoughts and prayers to Betsy and his family.
May 5, 2016
Pam and Bob Dio
Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to you, Betsy, and your family. Forty-five years ago when we were just young kids trying to get involved with the Masquers, Bob and I were lucky enough to meet Ross. His open welcoming attitude, his sense of humor, and his kindness made it easy for us to feel we "belonged." Always a gentleman, and so down-to-earth, as well - he will be thought of well and often.
May 5, 2016
Sara Ross
I have many fond memories of Ross at Exchange Club meetings and events. He used to joke that if we sat next to each other we would be "Ross Ross". He was a gentleman in the true sense of the word and will be immensely missed.
May 5, 2016
We were so sorry to learn of your loss. We enjoyed the time we spent with Ross, and especially appreciated his kindness to Aunt Vi on Cape Ann. Our thoughts and prayers to Betsy and the whole family. Carol and Ron Deveaux
May 5, 2016
Please accept my condolences on your loss. I met Ross at the Glastonbury Chorus. He was so delightful to be around and was very helpful to new chorus members. We will miss him, Sincerely, Brenda Harris
May 4, 2016
Dee Cross
So sorry to hear of your loss.. My heartfelt condolences go out to all of you.. Most Sincerely
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