SHERBURNE – Victor James McNitt, 88, of Sherburne, passed away Tuesday evening. Dec. 29, 2009, at his home.
Born in May of 1921 in Norwich, Victor was the son of Ralph J. and Ernestine Lawton McNitt. Growing up in Norwich, Victor attended and graduated from the Norwich Schools. Following his education he entered the United States military serving his country in the Army-Air Force for a period of 20 years. He was the youngest 1st lieutenant to serve in the military.
Returning to the Chenango County area, Victor settled in Earlville and gained employment with GLA and its successor Simmonds Precision, where he worked as a glass blower in the ceramics department, retiring at the age of 65. Following his retirement, he moved to Virginia remaining there for 18 years. An expert horticulturist, Victor had attended classes in Syracuse University and over the years has written many published articles. People from all over the country sought out his expertise and while living in Virginia he planted, grafted and grew trees from all over the world. Due to his failing health, he returned to the area in the fall of 2009.
Victor is survived by his brother David E. McNitt and his wife Kate of Sherburne, his nieces and nephews, Ralph McNitt and wife Maggie of South Carolina, James McNitt and wife Barb of Oxford and Joyce Bunt and husband Clayton of Iowa. Several great nieces and great nephews also survive, as well as Michael Frisbee, who he mentored like a son in his younger years. Victor was predeceased by his brother Edward McNitt.
Graveside services for Victor will be held in the spring from the Mt. Hope Cemetery.
Arrangements are by the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home.