Donald Gerald McNitt

On Nov. 3, 1951, Don married Wanda Marcella McNitt (Arnold) and they were married for 57 years until her passing in 2009. They resided in Watts Flats, N.Y., until they moved to Youngsville, Pa, in 1953.

Don was full of life and loved to travel. He made friends wherever he went. In the 1950s, he built and owned the Roll-O-Bowl Speedway with his brothers. He also raced and performed stunts such as the Wall of Fire at the track. This track was an early prelude to the many things Don did for his family as the speedway operation was his idea to earn money for his widowed grandmother at her property. Don also owned and operated a garbage disposal business for a time. After Don and Wanda moved to Youngsville, Pa., he became active in the community. He was active volunteer with the Youngsville Fire Department for more than 25 years and is still an honorary member. He also served as a councilman for the bureau of Youngsville and a member of the First United Methodist Church in Youngsville. He retired from Fitzgerald’s Trucking where he spent many years as a truck driver and later in the dispatch office. He also bowled on a league for many years.

Don was a snowbird after his retirement with a home in Flagler Beach, Fla. He traveled between Florida and Pennsylvania twice a year, usually stopping to visit family and friends in between. The casino trips with his friends were a huge source of enjoyment for him and morning coffee at McDonald’s with the gang. Don never stopped helping his family out any way that he could. The passion for his family that he showed in his early days continued his entire life.

Don’s surviving children are Barb (Jim) Bergman of Ashville, N.Y., Karen (Ed) Hile of Graham, N.C., and Suzette Hannah Reed of Westfield, NY.

Don has eight grandchildren: Dawn (Brian) Maloy, Jim (Danielle) Bergman, Denise (Ryan) Salvi, Jessica (Sal) Kilday, Kesey McNitt, Josh (Ashley) Hile, Austin (Caitlyn) Hile, and Joey (Ann) Licht. Also 15 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. Don has many cousins, nieces, nephews; and a brother-in-law, Earl (Mae) Arnold, that he leaves behind but loved very much.

In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by his wife, Wanda in 2009. Also two sons: Donald A. McNitt and Ronald McNitt; and two brothers: Howard McNitt, Jr. and Harry (Red) McNitt.

The family would like to thank the John & Orpha Blair Hospice Residence of Warren County and specifically, the nurses for their care and compassion.

Memorial donation may be made to Hospice of Warren County at www. hospiceofwarrencounty.org.

A memorial service will be held later this summer and a notice will be published.

The Nelson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, in Youngsville, have been entrusted with all arrangements. Condolences to the family may be made at www.nelsonfuneral home.net.