A truly good and gentle man has passed on. David H. Kitch, 90, simply died of old age on November 1, 2016, after a long full life. Known locally as the founder of Starlite Camping Resort of which he was especially proud as this was a family endeavor requiring the hard work of all five children. He was the son of the late Davis H. Kitch and Angelena T. (Wiegand) Kitch.

Dave grew up in Strasburg at the family business, the historic Swan Hotel. He graduated from Lancaster Catholic High School, class of 1944, where he was proud to have received the Knights of Columbus Award. He served in the Army Air Force as an Aviation Cadet during WWII. For 27 years, he was employed by Lancaster Press, Inc. as a Linotype and Monotype machinist. He was on the Board of Directors for PA Dutch Visitors Bureau, was an officer for the local Federal Credit Union, and was a regional director for the PA Campground Owners Association.

His interest in learning was lifelong. He enjoyed hunting, camping, travel, bird watching, photography and model RR. Some highlights of his travels include a caravan through Mexico and a trip across Alaska.

He was known and admired by many for his honesty, unbounded energy, and his amazing innate ability to build or repair almost anything small or large. Above all, it was about family with Dave. He especially loved to entertain his grandchildren with storytelling. He will be remembered for his great, wry, witty sense of humor. On special occasions, to the delight of all, he would play favorite tunes on his accordion and piano.

Mourning his passing are, Lee, his beloved wife of 69 years; children: Kate Kirchner (Chris), Eileen Kitch, Douglas Kitch and David Kitch, Jr. (Sue); grandchildren: Erin Martell, Derringer Kitch, Sarah Kitch, Andrea Daniel (Justin), Rose Kitch, Dawn Kitch, Dave Kitch and Rock Kitch; great-grandchildren: Piper and Maebry Daniel; sisters: Frances Fondacaro and Margaret Schuelkens; along with many nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death was son, Donald H. Kitch; sisters, Anna Yohn and Catherine Feister; and grandchildren: Alexandra Weitzel and Angelena Kitch.

A Funeral Service will be held at 2:30 PM on Friday, November 4, 2016 at the Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory, 441 N. George St., Millersville, PA 17551. A viewing will be held from 1:30-2:30 PM at the funeral home. Interment will be in St. Joseph New Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hospice & Community Care, 685 Good Drive, Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604.