Albert D. Pittis, a lifelong resident of Plainfield, NJ, passed away on January 31, 2025 at the age of 94. He was born to Bertram and Elsie May Hodgin Pittis and grew up in the city he would always call home. A devoted husband, a successful businessman, and a dedicated community member, Albert’s legacy is one of advocacy for the arts and historical preservation, and love for his family, community, and the natural world.
Albert graduated from Plainfield High School in 1948 and earned his Bachelor’s degree from Princeton University in 1952. He became a champion two-miler during these school years and a life-long track and field fan. He went on to receive his MBA from Rutgers University and — together with his brother, Walter — operated his father’s commercial real estate management business in Plainfield, Westfield, and New York City, where he built a reputation for integrity and deep connections with his tenants, staff, and with fellow community leaders.
His dedication to service extended beyond his professional life. From 1953 to 1956, Albert served as a Communications Officer in the United States Navy on the U.S.S. Robert A. Owens. He served as President and Treasurer of the Plainfield Business Association, as a member of the Plainfield Special Improvement District, as founding member (and 40-year team organizer) of the Plainfield Festival of the Arts, and a long-time member of that city’s Cultural and Heritage Commission. He was a life-long member of Grace Episcopal Church in Plainfield, participating in its many programs, stretching from a boyhood in its choir to participation in its Vestry. Together with his brothers, he was instrumental in the expansion and ongoing upkeep of the Grace Church Carillon, one of only four in the state of New Jersey. He very much enjoyed, as well, social and preservation activities with his Netherwood neighbors.
Albert married his beloved wife, Rosemary Neilson Steel Macpherson Pittis, in 1962, and together they shared 56 years of marriage before her passing in 2019. He is survived his daughter, Carolyn Pittis, her wife Wendy Elman, and Wendy’s daughter Ava Dishian; his daughter Melinda Pittis and her children, Jillian Pataky (and her husband Mark and daughter Grace); Sean Leitch (and his wife Katie Elmer); Alexandra Leitch; and Morgan Leitch; and by the children and grandchildren of his brothers Bertram H. Pittis and Walter F. Pittis, who both predeceased him.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Albert’s name to the Plainfield Symphony, the Plainfield Public Library, or The Nature Conservancy.
https://www.fanwoodmemorial.com/obituaries/Albert-D-Pittis?obId=35201618#/obituaryInfo
Resolution from the Plainfield City Council
COUNCILMANIC RESOLUTION HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF ALBERT D. PITTIS
Introduced by Council Vice President Dr. Darcella Sessomes:
WHEREAS, the City of Plainfield proudly recognizes and celebrates the life of Albert D. Pittis, a lifelong resident whose heart and soul were dedicated to this community. Albert passed away on January 31, 2025, at the remarkable age of 94, leaving behind a legacy of service, passion, and unwavering commitment to the betterment of Plainfield; and
WHEREAS, Albert, born to Bertram and Elsie May Hodgin Pittis, was a proud graduate of Plainfield High School, Class of 1948, and later earned his Bachelor’s degree from Princeton University in 1952, where he was a standout champion two-miler with an enduring love for track and field; and
WHEREAS, continuing his pursuit of knowledge, Albert achieved an MBA from Rutgers University before stepping into the world of business, co-managing his father’s commercial real estate enterprise alongside his brother, Walter. With integrity and professionalism, he nurtured relationships and built trust with tenants and community members in Plainfield, Westfield, and New York City; and
WHEREAS, Albert’s dedication to service extended beyond business, as he answered the call to duty from 1953 to 1956, serving as a Communications Officer in the United States Navy aboard the U.S.S. Robert A. Owens, exemplifying honor, discipline, and patriotism; and
WHEREAS, Albert was a pillar of Plainfield’s civic and cultural scene, serving as President and Treasurer of the Plainfield Business Association, and playing key roles in the Plainfield Special Improvement District, the Plainfield Parking Authority, the Beautification Committee, the Anti-Litter Committee, and the Cultural and Heritage Commission, always striving to enhance the vibrancy of our beloved city; and
WHEREAS, his passion for the arts knew no bounds! As a founding member and 40-year team organizer of the Plainfield Festival of the Arts, Albert infused life into the cultural fabric of our city, ensuring that creativity and artistic expression thrived for generations to come; and
WHEREAS, Albert’s devotion to Grace Episcopal Church was unwavering, from his early days singing in the choir to serving on the Vestry. His contributions, along with those of his brothers, were instrumental in the expansion and preservation of the Grace Church Carillon, one of only four in the state of New Jersey, leaving a lasting musical legacy; and
WHEREAS, he was a beloved figure in the Netherwood community, championing preservation and social initiatives that strengthened neighborhood bonds and enhanced the quality of life for all who called it home; and
WHEREAS, the City of Plainfield will forever be grateful for the indelible mark Albert D. Pittis left on our community. His unwavering service, leadership, and boundless generosity continue to inspire all who strive to make a difference in our great city; now
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Plainfield City Council, County of Union, State of New Jersey, proudly honors and celebrates the life of Albert D. Pittis, recognizing his extraordinary contributions to our community, the arts, historical preservation, and civic engagement; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Albert D. Pittis as a token of the City of Plainfield’s deep appreciation and admiration for his incredible legacy.
Adopted by the Plainfield City Council February 10, 2025
Neighborhood Tribute to Albert Pittis
A group of former Grace Church parishioners and Netherwood Neighbors gathered to ring bells outside Grace Church as the herse made a last pass by Albert’s beloved church on the way to the funeral.
