Daniel S. Pitts Sr., 78, Louisville

LOUISVILLE --  The family of Daniel S. Pitts, Sr., are deeply saddened on reporting his passing Friday evening, February 2, 2024, at his family home surrounded by his devoted and loving family, and under the care of Hospice.

The family has entrusted arrangements to the care and direction of the Phillips Memorial Home, in Massena. As per his wishes, the family will be sharing time together privately with funeral services at the convenience of the family with Rev. Mark Reilly officiating.

Dan was born to the late Lloyd and Evelyn (Baxter) Pitts in Massena on October 14, 1945.

As Dan attended schools in Massena, he continued to work during his high school years graduating from Gouverneur High School in 1963.

He was introduced to his beautiful bride shortly after high school and was married to Lillian Cogdill on December 26, 1964 in St. James Church in Gouverneur, NY by the late Reverend Monsignor Robert J. McCarthy and soon began their family.

Dan relocated back home to Massena and began his fruitful career as a welder for ALCOA in 1967, where he retired after 40 years of service on September 1, 2007.

Dan was known for his strong work ethic and having a talent with working with his hands. He had built two of the family homes he and his family shared together along with numerous personal items for family and friends.

He could be found hunting and fishing in his spare time or out in his wood lot, chopping wood as one of his favorite pastimes. A very talented craftsman, Dan valued quality, and nothing more pleased him, than the quality time spent with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was an avid motorcycle enthusiast, and continued to ride his bikes up until his illness. A member of the ALCOA 25 Year Club, Dan valued his fellow coworkers and time spent at work and in their free time.

Dan is survived by his devoted wife of nearly 60 years, Lillian; and their three children, Jodi and husband, Bob Condon, Debbie Pitts and Daniel S. Pitts Jr all of Massena, NY. Also surviving are his 7 grandchildren; Marah and Tyler Kain of Virgina, Tyler and Katie Pitts, Dylan Pitts, Zachary Pitts, Jordan Pitts of Maine, Rachel and Ryan Hartigan of Massena, NY Randy and Emily Ward of Massena, NY, along with five great-grandchildren; Blake, Rhett, Benjamin, Owen and Trevor. Brothers; Lloyd and Shirley Pitts of Hogansburg, NY, Gordon Pitts of Coopersburg, PA, and Ronald and wife Terry Pitts of Lisbon, NY, sisters; Elaine and Harold Swinyer of Brasher Falls, NY, and Bertha and Floyd Thomas of Massena, NY, along with several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Dan was predeceased by his brother, James Pitts and wife, Marie, a sister, Barbara Vasquez, a brother in-law, Gary Vasquez and a sister in-law, Helene Pitts.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be shared with St. Lawrence Hospice and Palliative Care; 6805 US-11, Potsdam, NY 13676 and Jerry’s Run for Cancer; c/o Tammi Turner (Secretary) 3778 County Route 6, Hammond, New York 13646

Family and friends are encourage to share memories, photos, stories, memorial trees and condolences online, by visiting www.PhillipsMemorial.com.