Lloyd F. "Pit" Pitman

Lloyd “Pit” Pitman passed away on Sunday, March 6, 2016 at the Syracuse Veteran’s Hospital at the age of 85. 

Lloyd was known for his dedication to the military, his knowledge of historical events, his sarcastic wit, and sense of humor. 

Lloyd Pitman was born on July 14, 1930 in Lisle, New York, the son of Albert F. and Della (Halcomb) Pitman.  Lloyd grew up in the village of Marathon, New York, the seventh of eleven children, during the Great Depression and would often speak of those difficult times.

Lloyd enlisted into the US Army in 1948, served with the 31^st Battalion, 7^th Infantry (Hourglass) Division and was stationed in Japan from 1948 to 1950.  When the Korean War broke out in 1950, Lloyd was deployed to Korea where he fought on the front lines during the Battle of Osan, the Inchon Invasion and the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir; a member of the Chosin Few. 

Lloyd received the Army of Occupation Medal with Japan Clasp; Korean Service Medal with four Bronze Service Stars for the UN Offensive, CCF Intervention, 1^st UN Counter Offensive, and CCF Spring Offensive Campaigns; United Nations Service Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Combat Infantryman Badge; the Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation Badge; Presidential Unit Citation (Navy); the Navy Unit Commendation; and the New York State Conspicuous Service Award.  After being honorably discharged in 1952, Lloyd continued to serve his country in the Army Reserves until 1960 and rose to the rank of Sergeant.

Lloyd returned to Marathon, New York in 1952, where he worked for Smith Corona in Groton, then Cortland, before retiring after 42 years of service.  Additionally, Lloyd was an independent electrical and plumbing contractor, who generally wanted to help everyone.

Lloyd met his wife, Elizabeth Simon, on a blind date in 1958 and were married on September 19, 1959 at St Leo’s Church in Tully, New York.

Lloyd was very active in Veteran’s Affairs, was a founding member of the Syracuse Chapter of the Korean War Veteran’s Association, and attended the dedication of the Korea War Veteran’s Memorial in Washington, DC in July of 1995.

Lloyd was a lifetime member of the Preble Fire Department; a member of the Marathon American Legion; the Dryden VFW; and the Combat Infantry Association. 

Lloyd was predeceased by his parents and eight siblings; Bearl Pitman, Ernest Pitman, Ruth White, Earl Pitman, Nelma Pitman, Ina Utter, Reva Spencer, and Rita Tryon.

Lloyd is survived by his wife of 56 years, Elizabeth; children, Joseph, Thomas (Wendy), James, David (Bonnie), Robert (Michelle) and Theresa; grandchildren, Melinda, Chelsea, Thomas II, Jacob, Sam, Kristen, Allison, and JeriLyn; great grandchildren, Tyler and Nathan. Also surviving are two siblings, Ralph Pitman and Joyce Barrows and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, March 9, 2016 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the Donald L. Barber Funeral Home, 5016 N. Main St., Homer.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 10, 2016 in St. Leo’s Church, 10 Onondaga St., Tully, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. James Carey. Interment, with Military Honors, will follow in Elmwood Cemetery, Preble.

Donations can be made in Lloyd’s honor to the Disabled American Veterans - Cortland Memorial Chapter 153, 91 Owego Street, Cortland, NY 13045.

The family would also like to extend their deepest thanks and gratitude to the staff at the Syracuse Veteran’s Hospital and the residents of the 8^th floor for their care, their compassion, and most importantly, their heartfelt friendships.  The “Mayor” has retired.

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