Lewis (Lew) Wittick was born on August 13, 1936 in Mt. Royal, NJ to Helen (Carty) and Lewis Wittick. As a boy, he lived in Arizona for 2 years, but after his father left, returned to his roots in NJ with his Mother and sister, Cass. In 1955, Lew joined the US Army and was a paratrooper in the 101st 82nd Airborne Divison for 3 years, spending 1 1/2 years in Japan keeping the peace after WWII.
Lew met his loving wife Jackie in 1957 while home on leave and they were married soon after his discharge on September 27, 1958. Lew greatest love was his family. Lew and Jackie had 4 beautiful children and for 21 years lived on Mt. Royal Road in Mantua, NJ in a house that he built himself before moving to Washington Township. While they raised their children, Lew worked hard and held multiple jobs at the same time throughout much of his life in order to make sure that his family was well provided for.
Lew was also a dedicated member of his community. He was a lay speaker at the Barnsboro Methodist Church, EMT for the Barnsboro Ambulance Squad, Indian Guides Leader, Boy Scout Scout Master and a member of the Manuta Masonic Lodge #95.
Known as 'The Man Who Could Do Anything', Lew was very handy. He had experience with carpentry, masonary, leather work, wood working, welding, autobody and engine repair. Lew was never afraid to tackle anything. If he didn't know how to fix it, he figured it out. His family nickname was 'Macgyver'.
Lew held a multitude of jobs throughout his life and also had some of his own business ventures. An autobody repairman by trade, he worked for George's Autobody in Pitman, NJ, Evergreen Autobody in Woodbury, NJ and then as an autobody repairman for the US Postal Service in Bellmawr, NJ for 20 years until he retired in 2001.
Lew loved keeping busy and had many varied interests and hobbies. An avid outdoors man, he enjoyed camping with his family, hunting rabbits with his beagles, Duchess and Peggy, and fishing on his boats. He also restored several antique vehicles, collected trains and belonged to a model airplane flying club. Lew also enjoyed music, especially country music. He played the harmonica, banjo and acoustic guitar and was in a country band called 'The Strings of Time' along with his sister Dot.
As time passed and his children blessed him with grandchildren, Lew's focus remained on his family. He adored his family and did anything he could for all, always there to lend a helping hand and provide love and support. A devoted husband, loving father, and adoring grandfather, he will forever be in ours hearts and so deeply missed.
Lewis Wittick, age 81, of Clarksboro, NJ went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, November 2, 2017. He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years Jacqueline Wittick (nee Garrison) and their children Sandy Knopka of Pennsville, Kathy Spiritoso (Lou) of Bellmawr, Dave Wittick of Paulsboro and Steve Wittick (Natalie) of Bridgeton and his grandchildren Tori, Adriana, Bill, Dante and Courtney. He is also survived by his sisters Dorothy Smith and Catherine Mihlebach.
Family and Friends may visit on Saturday November 4th, from 9:30 am to 11 am at Evangelical United Methodist Church, 14 W. Cohawkin Rd. Clarksboro immediately followed by funeral services at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Evangelical United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, 14 W. Cohawkin Road, Clarksboro, NJ 08020. Memories and condolences can be shared at www.smithfhmantua.com