Gary Lee Kitch's Obituary
Gary Lee Kitch passed away April 14, 2025. He was a beloved husband, father, brother and son, and will be remembered as someone who loved deeply and was honest, genuine, and fun-loving. He is survived by his wife, Donna, their daughter Lacey Padron (Alex) and son Sam, granddaugher Lily and two sisters, Jackie Borgard (Ron) and Marci Kay Readdick (Billy).
Gary was born April 18, 1953 to Dale and Mary Ruth Kitch in San Diego, CA. Dale was an officer in the Navy, so Gary grew up in many homes in many places, including California, Tennessee, Georgia, Key West and Guantanamo Bay Navy base in Cuba. Throughout his childhood and beyond, Gary was passionate about baseball, playing in little league, high school and rec league teams as a pitcher. He was an enthusiastic and ebullient young man who lived life to the fullest and had great times with family and friends and many travels around the country.
In 1982 Gary met the love of his life, Donna. Gary and Donna married in 1985 and later had two children, Lacey and Sam. Gary loved his family with all of his heart and was a loyal and devoted husband and father. He encouraged his children to pursue their passions and was always supportive. He would have done anything for his family, and they all knew that everyday. In 2021, Gary became known as "Pops" when his granddaughter, Lily was born.
Gary had a masters in history from the University of Florida and held several positions as a teacher in schools and corrections facilities. He and his family moved to Tallahassee in 1996 and didn't move again. Gary enjoyed coaching his son Sam in little league and playing baseball in the Tallahassee Parks and Rec Veterans' league until he was 63. He retired in 2015 and spent the subsequent years going out on the St. Mark's river fishing, traveling, and spending time with his family.
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