Frederick Litty, 89
March 11, 1922 — Sept. 20, 2011
Frederick L. “Fred” Litty, 89, of North Fourth Street, Niles, died at 1:13 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 20 at Riveridge Manor, Niles following a brief illness.
He was born March 11, 1922 in Niles to Joseph and Anna (Zwickl) Litty. He graduated from Niles High School, and lived here all of his life. He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the United States Army Air Corps, and had a long career with Tyler Refrigeration as a truck driver and pilot.
Fred had a great interest in aviation, holding a pilot’s license for more than 50 years. He was based at the Jerry Tyler Memorial Airport in Niles, where he served in many capacities, from maintenance to successfully writing grants for the airport, and was a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 865. He has also served on the city airport board since 1992. The City of Niles honored his efforts by naming the airport’s terminal and offices the Fred Litty Administration Building. The State of Michigan recognized his efforts in aviation by a proclamation signed by Gov. John Engler.
Fred also volunteered at the South Bend Airport’s military memorial park.
He was an avid reader, especially of any material related to aeronautics.
On Jan. 4, 1944 in Lake Wales, Fla., he married the former Frances L. Brooks, who preceded him in death on July 24, 1991.
He was also preceded in death by his brothers, August, Joon, Joseph, Michael and Herman; and sisters, Martha Leichtman, Rose Martinsen, Mary Schrader, Ann Montz, Josephine Quick, Virginia Mann and Victoria Litty.
Surviving family includes two sons, Gerald Litty and Rodger Litty, both of Niles; grandchildren, Bryan Litty and Karla Dennis; great-grandchildren Dalton Litty, Chelsy Litty Jessica Dennis and Nathan Dennis; and many nieces and nephews.
The funeral service for Fred Litty will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 23 at the Halbritter Funeral Home, Niles with Mr. Michael Loupee of Niles officiating.
Committal services will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery, Niles and will conclude with the veteran’s flag presentation and taps by American Legion Post 51, Buchanan.
The family will receive relatives and friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
Contributions in memory of Fred may be made to the Jerry Tyler Memorial Airport.
Niles Daily Star, Published online 10:41pm Tuesday, September 20, 2011