Honoring Tradition.
Celebrating Life.
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Roger Pittman

October 16, 1942 - February 7, 2018
Belmont, MI

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Visitation

Friday, March 2, 2018
4:00 PM to 8:00 PM EST
Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes
Van Strien Creston Chapel
1833 Plainfield Ave., N.E
Grand Rapids, MI 49505
(616) 361-2613

Scripture Service will be held at 7:30 PM

Driving Directions

Visitation

Saturday, March 3, 2018
10:00 AM to 11:00 AM EST
Assumption BVM Church

Service

Saturday, March 3, 2018
11:00 AM EST
Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church
6369 Belmont Road NE
Belmont, MI 49306
Map

Contributions


At the family's request memorial contributions are to be made to those listed below. Please forward payment directly to the memorial of your choice.

Humane Society of West Michigan
3077 Wilson NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49534
Web Site

ABVM School Fund
6369 Belmont Road NE
Belmont, MI 49306

St. Mary's Foundation (of Mercy Health)
200 Jefferson SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Web Site

Life Story / Obituary


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With a great sense of humor, warm hugs, and the ability to fix anything, Roger Pittman lived a life centered in service. Born in a time of global turmoil and having grown up in a time of hope and restoration Rog was driven to serve his country, family, and community. Husband, father, grandfather, soldier, provider, and protector, Rog faithfully embraced each day determined to give his best in an effort to care for those he loved.

Born in 1942 to Floyd and Alice (Angus) Pittman, Rog grew up in Grand Rapid, Michigan. As a young man, Rog answered his call to duty by enlisting in the United States Navy. For the next 21 years, Rog proudly served his country earning the rank of OM1.

After retiring from active duty in 1980, Rog returned to his hometown and found a job at Steelcase where he worked until 2004. Not one to be idle for long, Rog soon began working for Balder & Co. where he stayed until 2011.

A man of many interests and callings, Rog was a life member of American Legion Post #258, Fleet Reserve Assn #298, and Big Brothers. Each of these organizations gained much from Rog’s time and talents which he freely gave in hopes of making a difference for others.

While answering the call of service to country and community was important to Rog, his most passionate call was in service to his family. Rog worked tirelessly for his family whom he loved deeply. His drive to provide well for his loved ones was easily seen in his excellent work ethic as well as his warm and comforting hugs. Rog had a count-on-able sense of humor that was sure to inspire laughter even in the direst of situations. His children will long treasure the laughs he created, the games of “Snake” he played with them as kids, the way he unflinchingly baited their hooks, the car races, and his famous unintended detours when the family traveled. Together, the family crossed the country twice stopping at both historical and unusual sites along the way. They relished in the splendors of the mountains and desert as well as the wonders of both the Northwest and Southwest. Many memorable dinners were shared in the galley on Rog’s “duty weekends” and his uncanny ability to fix the kids’ cars, and most anything else will long be sources of awe.

In addition to his family, Rog possessed a deep love for sailing. Exploring the open waters on his boat was a source of pure joy and always inspired a light heart and blissful smile. After leaving Steelcase in ‘04, Rog learned to ride a motorcycle and took to the road with similar bliss.

Without a doubt, the world feels far less certain in the absence of Rog’s steadfast presence. Though life wasn't always easy, Rog’s undauntable love for his family will long be a source of comfort and many fond memories. May additional comfort be found in knowing Rog’s spirit remains in the hearts, memories, and prayers of those he loved and cherished. It is in their lives that his legacy will continue to inspire others to share more hugs, laughter, and love.

OM1 Roger Pittman, USN (Ret) called to the staff of the Supreme Commander, after a valiant fight with pulmonary fibrosis/asbestosis. Rog loved God, loved this country and served it proudly.

Rog is survived by his wife of 55 years, Noelle (Graham); children Chris (Heather), Erin (Mike) Rogers; grandchildren Corynn and Tara Rogers, Joaquin, Vivian and Miranda Pittman; brothers and sisters Dennis (Cindy) Pittman, Karel Anderson, Kathy La Belle, Jim Pittman, Mary Graham, Jerry (Brenda) Graham, and good friends Doug, Rich and Elaine.

His family would like to thank Mercy Health Pulmonary Services: Dr. Shen, Jessica, Faith, and staff; Mercy Health Lacks and Dr. Joseph, for their many years of care and support.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, March 3 at 11 AM at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, 6369 Belmont Road.

Friends are invited to visit with Rog's family at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home - Van Strien Creston Chapel, 1833 Plainfield Ave NE on Friday, March 2 from 4-8 PM where a Scripture Service will be held at 7:30 PM, and may visit with his family at church on Saturday from 10 AM until the service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to either the Humane Society of West Michigan, Assumption BVM School Fund, or the St. Mary's Foundation of Mercy Health. To share a memory or sign his guestbook, visit www.lifestorynet.com.

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