Russell Fitchett

On April 30, 2015, Russell (Russ) Aubrey Fitchett passed away at the Veterans Administration Hospital/Hospice, Hampton, VA at the age of 83, with complications from cancer. Russell was born May 23, 1931 in West Point, Virginia. Where he resided until he was 8 years old. In 1939 his parents Russell & Doris Fitchett, moved to Baltimore. His father was employed at the Sparrows Point Bethlehem Steel Corporation. Russell A. Fitchett grew up in Armstead Gardens and then moved to Baltimore Street in Eastwood. Russell Fitchett graduated from Patterson High School and the University of Baltimore with an Industrial Engineering Degree. As a child, Russell visited his grandparents, Aubrey & Sally Redd in Water View, VA., during his summer months. This is where he learned to love gardening, working in the tomato fields and carpentry. Russell Fitchett joined the Air Force after graduation from Patterson Park High School. He was stationed in Alaska then Florida. Russell retired in 1993 after 23 years of service from Prudential Insurance Company in Baltimore. After retirement he permanently moved to the property of his grandparents in Water View, VA. Russell Fitchett loved his country and flew his American flag proudly. He was a member of the American Legion in Saluda and also The Lions Club of Gloucester, where he became the local Lions Club President. He ran the A.A. meetings at the Christ Church, in Saluda, for 15 years, where he helped recovering alcoholics. Russell was married 35 years to the late Nancy Dyer Fitchett. Russell is survived by his 5 children: Dixie (Fitchett) Raab wife of Andrew Raab, David and wife Betty Fitchett, Denise (Fitchett) Diepold wife of Thomas Diepold, Diane (Fitchett) Buettner wife of Thomas Buettner & Dawn (Fitchett) Kottraba wife of Douglas Kottraba, Jr. 11 Grandchildren and 21 Great Grandchildren. He is also survived by his oldest sister, Mary Magdalene Wilson. His younger sister Patricia Hooper passed away 5 years ago. Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday in Hermitage Baptist Church, Church View, VA. Interment will be in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8:00 p.m. Monday at Bristow-Faulkner Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Saluda, VA.