Obituaries

Joseph “Joe” William Witt, 68

October 20, 2015

Joseph “Joe” William Witt, 68, passed away unexpectedly on October 20, 2015, from a heart attack. Joe was married to Darlene, the love of his life, for 41 years. He was a respected wildlife biologist and ecologist, a civil servant of 33 years in the U.S. Department of the Interior with both the Bureau of Land Management and Fish and Wildlife Service. He proudly served his country as a member of the Marine Corps, receiving a Purple Heart for his service during the Vietnam War. Following retirement, Joe enjoyed teaching as an adjunct professor with Shepherd University and Northern Virginia Community College. An avid birder, reader, and naturalist, he enjoyed spending time with his family, pets, and being outdoors.

Joe is survived by his wife Darlene Witt (Branigan); son Jonathan Witt, husband of Kristen Baker Witt; daughter Jessica Dudley, wife of Scott Dudley. He is also survived by his beloved “grand-dogs,” Chelsea, Hems, and Izzy. He is predeceased by his father, William Witt, and mother, Dorothy Witt (Keister).

Friends and family are invited to attend a memorial service for Joe at the Charles F. Snyder, Jr. Funeral Home, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA 17543 on Tuesday October 27, 2015, with Rev. Kenny Newsome officiating. The family will begin welcoming guests at 10:00 AM; the service will begin at 11:00 AM.

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Condolences to the Family

October 26, 2015

To those that loved and knew Joe, my sympathy to you. We both worked in the field of wildife biology for the same employer in the 1990s in Oregon. I did not know Joe well, but I feel we shared a mutual respect conferred from similar military experiences.  He was a fine human being.

October 26, 2015

Jon:
So, so sorry for your loss–you and your whole family are in my thoughts and prayers during this sad time.
–Jordan

October 24, 2015

Dearest Darlene,  I am so very sorry for your loss of Joe.  I wish I was close enough to come to his funeral and be with you.  I look back with fondness on those happy days when we worked together and often wish we could go back to them.  I wish you and the kids some sene of peace as you take this journey and want you to know that I am thinking of you.  I’ve thought of you so often over the years and always hoped you were doing well.  I still miss you.  Love to you, Sharon Miller Dailey

Visitation
Tuesday, October 27, 2015
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory
3110 Lititz Pike
Lititz, PA 17543
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Services
Tuesday, October 27, 2015
11:00 AM
Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory
3110 Lititz Pike
Lititz, PA 17543
Map and Directions

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Offering Lancaster, PA funeral services for over 75 years.

Our six funeral homes in Lancaster County makes it easy and convenient to make arrangements and host services close to home.

  • Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home Downtown Lancaster
  • 414 East King St.
  • 717-393-9661
  • Charles F. (Chip) Snyder, Jr. Funeral Director / Supervisor
  • more info
  • Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home Lititz Pike
  • 3110 Lititz Pike
  • 717-560-5100
  • Charles F. (Chad) Snyder, III Funeral Director / Supervisor
  • more info
  • Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home Millersville
  • 441 North George St.
  • 717-872-5041
  • Mark D. Burkholder Funeral Director / Supervisor
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  • Spacht-Snyder Family Funeral Home Lititz, PA
  • 127 South Broad St.
  • 717-626-2317
  • Jacqueline Adamson Funeral Director / Supervisor
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  • Bachman-Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory Strasburg, PA
  • 7 South Decatur Street
  • 717-687-7644
  • Norman T. Mable Funeral Director / Supervisor
  • more info
  • Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home Willow Street, PA
  • 2421 Willow Street Pike
  • 717-464-4600
  • Kelly Gramola Townsend Funeral Director / Supervisor
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