Robert F. Kitko, Sr., 74 of Houtzdale, PA died at 12:54 a.m., Jan. 31, at Altoona Regional Health System, Altoona Hospital Campus.
Born on July 9, 1936 in Tubbs Crossing, Madera, PA, he was the son of the late Andrew H. and Margaret K. (Trella) Kitko.
Mr. Kitko was a parishioner of Christ The King Catholic Church, Houtzdale and served in the U.S. Army and the Utah Reserves from 1956-1964. He co-owned and operated Kitko Wood Products of Glen Hope, PA.
Mr. Kitko started Kitko Wood Products in the late 1950’s as a wheelbarrow handle business. It began with four employees, Mr. Kitko, Ken Kitko Sr., Val Matia and Kenny Wilson, which then grew to more than 100 employees and numerous subcontractors. Mr. Kitko established many relationships with fellow leaders in the wood product industry. The company incorporated in 1963 and has been a cornerstone in Glen Hope ever since.
Mr. Kitko was a charter member of Houtzdale Cub Scout Pack 51 Bucktail Council; a supporter of Clearfield County 4H and numerous baseball and softball teams, ranging from T-Ball to the Mt. League. He also was a supporter of Moshannon Valley baseball and several soccer teams. Mr. Kitko enjoyed traveling and vacationing at Captiva and Sanibel Islands. He also enjoyed his trips to Disney World with his children and grandchildren.
Mr. Kitko is survived by his wife of 47 years, the former Carol Lee Bungo, whom he wed on Jan. 17, 1964 in Winchester, VA; he is survived by a daughter, Sabrina Kitko and her spouse Michael Riling, of Hollidaysburg, PA; three sons, Robert F. Kitko, Jr. and his wife the former Lisa Marie Tiesi, C. Mark Kitko and his wife the former Lisa Ann Hicks, and Andrew G. Kitko and his wife the former Cassandra Thompson all of Houtzdale, PA; five grandchildren, Sarah, Tess, Nicholas, Alexander and Michael Kitko.
Also surviving are nine sisters and three brothers, Lorraine Snyder of Ramey, PA; Margaret (Peg) Fundack of Smokerun, PA; Tess Hansel and her husband Gerard of Houtzdale, PA; Ken Kitko, Sr and his wife Clementine “Tina” of Houtzdale, PA; Thomas Kitko and his wife Francis of Tubbs Crossing, Madera, PA; Rose Butterworth and her husband Jack of Philipsburg, PA; Mary Kitko of Ramey, PA; Becky Kaspick and her husband Thomas of Braselton, Georgia; Andrew Kitko of Ramey, PA; Beverly “Bonnie” Bezilla and her husband Ronald of Houtzdale, PA; Patricia Maxwell and her husband Rick of Philipsburg, PA; and Noreen Deslongchamp and her husband Dennis of Latrobe, PA. Two sister-in-laws, Mary Ann Kitko of Beccaria, PA and Norma Kitko of Glen Hope, PA survive as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews
Mr. Kitko is preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, John “Jack” Kitko and Donald Kitko; three brother-in-laws Andrew Fundack, Clair Snyder and Charles Matea; two nephews, Dennis Fundack and Charles Matea, III; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, George and Clara (Finney) Bungo
Friends will be received at the Kruise Funeral Home, Inc., Ramey, PA on Wednesday , February 2 from 2 – 9 p.m. and on Feb. 3 from 8 – 9:15 a.m. The Catholic Daughters of the Americas Court St. Victoria #646 and the Christ The King Rosary Society will recite the Rosary on Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. in the funeral home.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Christ The King Catholic Church, Houtzdale, PA, at 10 a.m. on Feb. 3, with Very Rev. Joseph P. Staszewski as celebrant.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Christ The King Catholic Church, Houtzdale, PA, at 10 a.m. on Feb. 3, with Very Rev. Joseph P. Staszewski as celebrant.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Heart Association 440 West Front St. Clearfield, PA 16830, the Madera Vol. Ambulance Service P.O. Box 175 Madera, PA 16661, the Clearfield County 4-H; or the Houtzdale Cub Scout Pack 51. Condolences may be sent to: condolences@kruisefuneralhome.com.