Richard Edward Sitzer

Richard Edward Sitzer, 93, of Jupiter FL., died on April 26, 2021 with his family by his side. Born August 19, 1927 to Edward A. and Wilma A. Sitzer, Dick grew up in Lee, MA where he attended school, graduating as president of his class in 1945. After graduating he entered the U.S. Marine Corps. Dick was honorably discharged as a private first class at the end of the war. He then entered Dartmouth College and graduated in 1950 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics.

 On June 24, 1950 Dick married Joan Kellar in Newton, MA. His career began at U.S. Envelope Company. Then he was hired by Hurlbut Paper Company as controller. Hurlbut was purchased by Mead Corporation, Dick ultimately rose to president and general manager of the Technical Paper Division. He joined Lee Bank where he was first elected as a corporator. He became a trustee and a member of the audit committee. In 1972, Dick was hired as President of Lee Savings Bank, he held that title until 1989 at which time he became the chief executive officer and chairman of the board.

After several career moves Dick and Joan settled in Lenox, MA where their four children Cindy, Andy, Peter and Bob were raised. They moved to Lee, MA in 1972.

Not only was Dick deeply committed to his family, but also the local community. He presided as a trustee and Chairman of the Berkshire Health Systems, and president and director of the Lee Elderly Housing Corporation and served in many other capacities ranging from finance and development committees and fund-raising campaigns.

Some of his favorite past times include hunting, fishing and golf, often with a dog, friend or grandchild by his side.  He was a member of the Alford Brook Club, the Hollywood Club, Stockbridge Golf Club and Jonathan’s Landing Golf Club.  Affectionately known as “Pop” to his grandchildren, he loved attending their school and sporting events or watching them swim or fish from the dock at Green Water Pond.  He was so proud of all his grandchildren.

Dick was predeceased by his parents Edward A. Sitzer and Wilma A. Sitzer, his wife and mother of his children Joan Sitzer, his sister Ann Louise Ingram and her husband Douglas, and his second wife Constance Kellar.

Leaving behind to honor Dick’s memory are his wife Sally; his children: Cindy Packard and her husband Bruce of Lee, MA; Andy Sitzer and his wife Linne of Dallas, TX; Peter Sitzer and his wife Amy Salinetti of Pittsfield, MA.; Bob Sitzer and his wife Nancy of Lenox, MA; and Dick’s grandchildren Thomas and his wife Evee, Bill, Bear, Samantha and partner Kyle Taylor, Whitney, Nick and his wife Danielle, Hannah, Kellar, O’Neil, Jack, great-grandson Parker; and Sally’s children Debbe, Ingrid and Bob.

We would like to express our thanks to all of Dick’s caregivers and to Trustbridge Hospice Care of Palm Beach.

The immediate family will gather on Friday, June 4, 2021 for a private funeral and internment. Please join us for a celebration of Dick’s life at the Stockbridge Golf Club from 2:00-5:00 that afternoon.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the First Congregational Church of Lee or Berkshire United Way in care of Kelly’s Funeral Home, 3 Main Street, Lee, MA 01238.

If you would like to leave a message of condolence or share pictures with the family, please visit our web site at www.kellyfuneralhome.net