MASSENA- Bernard L. Pitts, 83, of 6 Dana Street, passed away Thursday evening, June 15, 2017 at Massena Memorial Hospital after a lengthy illness.

Bernard was born December 17, 1933 in Massena, the son of the late Harold M. and Bernice (McGregor) Pitts. He attended Massena schools before being drafted in the United States Army in 1953, proudly serving his country until his honorable discharge 1961. On September 3, 1955, he married Malinda M. Underwood at the Church of the Sacred Heart.

Bernard was a cable operator for Alcoa retiring after 30 years of service. He also worked for Pellegrino Oils in Massena for a few years installing and repairing furnaces. Bernard was an active member of many organizations including Oddfellows, where he served as the Past District Deputy Grand Master of the Seaway Lodge 41; Past Grand Patriarch of New York of Crescent Encampment 82; Past Department Commander, Patriarchs Military of the Canton Leo 41; and Past Assembly Inside Guardian of Euerka Rebekah Lodge 129. He was a Past Master of the Massena Masonic Lodge 513, and the What Cheer Masonic Lodge 689; and Past Patron of the Eastern Stars. Bernard was also a very active member of the Massena Soap Box Derby, serving as a board member for numerous years and was a member of the Grace United Methodist Church. He volunteered many hours of his time working bingo at the Oddfellows Lodge in Ogdensburg and when he was younger was a referee for many youth and minor hockey games. Bernard was described as a “jack-of-all trades and master of none” who greatly enjoyed various DIY projects around the house. He also enjoyed doing jigsaw puzzles, found great peace and enjoyment watching the deer, and playing Texas horseshoes. Of all his enjoyments, he cherished the times he spent with is family, especially his grand and great grandchildren.

Bernard is survived by his loving wife, Malinda; two sons and their wives, Charles T. and Lisa Pitts of Norfolk; Phillip and Kathy Pitts of Massena; two daughters and their husbands, Charlamaine and John Mitchell of Massena; and Rebecca and Timothy Jenner of Jeffersonville; 4 grandsons and 5 granddaughters; 5 great grandsons and 6 great granddaughters; his brother, Earl Pitts of Massena; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Flossie O’Connell Spink in 2012; his brothers, Milton in 1981; Victor in 1993; Benjamin in 1999; Fletcher in 2013; and Harold in 2015.

Friends may call Tuesday 2-4 and 6-9 at the Donaldson Funeral Home, Massena, where funeral services will be held Wednesday 11:00 AM with Pastor Rachael Jordan, officiating. Burial with military honors will follow the service in Louisville Community Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to the Disabled American Veterans.