SMSgt. Robert Jack Gitthens

SMSgt Robert J. Gitthens, age 87 of Cocoa Beach, Florida, formerly of Jackson, Michigan, passed away on May 11, 2024 at Cape Canaveral Hospital under Hospice after a short illness.  He was born June 22, 1936 in Jackson, Michigan; the son of the late Leo and Marion (Conde) Gitthens. 

Robert is survived by his wife of 66 years, Mona (Crowley) Gitthens; daughter, Karen Marie Guerin and her husband, Craig; his grandchildren, Brianne Marie Kutyna and her husband, Steve; Bryon Robert Guerin and his fiancee', Sydney Desnoyer); a great granddaughter, Bella Marie Kutyna. 

Robert worked for Symons Brothers Food and spend thirty-six years in the United States Air Force between active duty and full-time reserves starting in 1973.  He retired from the United States Air Force in 1997 and the civil service in 1999.  Robert was a coordinator for Cocoa Beach Police Citizens on Patrol for 25 years and belonged to the Air Force Association.  He was a lifetime member of the American Legion Post 348 and VFW Post 1031.  He was a member of St. George Catholic Church Community, Patrick SFB.  Robert loved flying, playing golf and attending his grandchildren's activities.  He loved spending time watching and reading to his great-granddaughter Bella. 

The family would like to thank his best friend of 81 years, Ted Renfer.  Also thanks to Jeannie Everett and Craig Newman for their continued support throughout the last five years.

Visitation will take place at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 711 Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, Jackson, Michigan on Friday, June 7, 2024 from 12:00pm-1:00pm with a Mass of Christian Burial at 1:00pm. officiated by Father Francis George.  Interment will follow with Military Honors at St. John Catholic Cemetery.

A special thanks to Cape Canaveral Hospital and Cape Canaveral Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. John Catholic School, 405 East North Street, Jackson, MI.  49202.

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