Obituary of Frederick Harry Pitcher

Frederick Harry Pitcher or Fred as he became known was born on November 24, 1943, in Monroe, Michigan. One of six children, he was born to the union of Kenneth and Margaret (Rath) Pitcher. Fred attended Monroe High School, graduating at the young age of 17 years old. After high school Fred attended Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, Michigan, and graduated from Cleary University where he received his bachelor’s degree in business.  To provide for his family he worked for over twenty years as a controller for Midwestern Management Consultants, Inc, a home health care company before retiring in 2014.

Fred met Ms. Lila Faye Smith-Sampson through mutual friends in 1989.   For their first date, Fred took Faye to a concert at the Palace of Auburn Hills, and they enjoyed the event from Fred’s company suite, which of course impressed Faye. Later, Faye told Fred she was unable to date him due to her nursing school, work, and having a daughter at home so the day her classes were complete, Fred sent her flowers and a note asking for another date. On December 17, 1990, in Angola, Indiana Fred and Faye were joined in marriage.  The couple blended their family of three sons and two daughters.

Fred loved spending time outdoors working on his lawn to keep it immaculate and watching the birds. He made sure to grow special flowers that attracted Hummingbirds.  As a young boy, Fred often lent a hand at the local farm with the barn work.  In return the owners allowed him to ride the horses which he loved.

Being an accountant, Fred was very detail oriented.  His sense of order even extended to the time he spent organizing and color coding his closet.  He was a blessing to many family and friends as he helped to prepare their income taxes.  When he took time to sit and relax, he enjoyed catching up on his favorite show “Law and Order”. More than anything else Fred cherished his children and grandchildren that lovingly called him “Papa” and “Sam”.

Frederick Harry Pitcher, age 80 of Monroe passed away peacefully at home with his loving wife at his side. His passing was preceded by his parents: Kenneth and Margaret Pitcher; a son: Sean Pitcher in 2009; and three brothers: Donald, Howard, and Edwin.

To cherish Fred’s memory he leaves his loving wife of thirty-three years: Lila Faye Pitcher of Monroe; two daughters: Stacey (Ron) Harig of Maple City, Michigan and Lisa (Joe) Cusumano of Monroe; two sons: Stephen Pitcher of Flat Rock, Michigan and William Sampson of Manhattan, New York; one sister: Carol Pitcher of Monroe; one brother: Harold (Karen) Pitcher of Monroe; five grandchildren: Jesse and Julia Harig, McKaily, Joey, and Dominic (Elizabeth) Cusumano; and one special great granddaughter: Katerina Cusumano.

Friends may gather from 11:00am until 1:00pm on Friday; June 14, 2024, at Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe, 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 (734) 384-5185.  A Celebration of Fred’s Life will be held at 1:00pm also at Merkle’s lead by Celebrant Patti Irons.  Cremation will follow through Covenant Cremation of Erie, Michigan, a division of Merkle Enterprises, Inc.  Burial of Fred’s cremated remains will be at Roselawn Memorial Park in LaSalle at a later date.

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