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A. Richard "Andy" or "Dick" McNitt, 92, of Centre Hall, was welcomed into the arms of his Lord and Savior on Saturday, Dec. 30, 2023, at the Valley View Retirement Community in Belleville. Born on Oct. 3, 1931, in Reedsville, he was the son of the late John Creighton and Bessie J. (Stuck) McNitt. On Dec. 27, 1957, at the Trinity United Church of Christ in Centre Hall, he married the love of his life, Josephine M. "Jo" Knarr, who preceded him in death in 2022.
Andy graduated from the Centre Hall-Potter High School. He enlisted with the United States Army in 1951, fought in the Korean War, and earned the rank of Sergeant prior to his honorable discharge in 1955. He then earned an associate's degree in Tool and Die from the Williamsport Technical Institute. He worked as a machinist for HRB Singer for many years before opening the Auto Glass Centre in State College. After more than 20 successful years as a business owner and partner, he sold his interest in the company and went to work for Locus in Boalsburg, where he worked as a machinist until his retirement.
Andy was a member of Trinity UCC in Centre Hall. He was a life member of the VFW Post 9575 and the Smith-Pletcher American Legion Post 779 in Centre Hall. He was very active with the legion, assisting in forming a Sons of American Legion Charter and holding various leadership positions throughout the years. He was instrumental in developing the little league complex at Old Fort, the A.R. McNitt Fields. He was a long time member of the White Oak Camp, Inc, where he had served as a trustee for a number of years. Andy (or Dick) was active in sports in his youth, especially baseball. He played ball in the Army and continued playing into his early 40's. He was a sports fan, loved watching baseball, and enjoyed following the sports in which his children and grandchildren were involved. He participated in various pool and bowling leagues and hosted a weekly card game in his garage for over 30 years.
Along with being a sports enthusiast, he was also an avid outdoorsman, enjoying time spent in the woods hunting and the occasional fishing outing. He was a true living legend, those that met him, would remember him forever. He was a character, loved telling stories and socializing. He was famous for his Monopoly games with children and grandchildren and no one in the family ever witnessed him losing. He instilled a strong work ethic in his children, focusing on integrity and an honest effort. He often would side with the underdog, recognizing their struggles and efforts, and admiring them for it. He will be loved and missed for generations to come.
Andy is survived by his son, Andrew S. "Andy" McNitt and his wife, Teresa, of Centre Hall; his daughter, Barbara J. McNitt and her husband, Stephen Peters, Jr, of Centre Hall; six grandchildren, Alexander McNitt of Titusville, Fla., Benjamin McNitt of Boiling Springs, Abigail McNitt (Dennis Speilman) of Philipsburg, Katherine McNitt of State College, Joseph McNitt (Isabel) of Madison, Wis., and Elizabeth McNitt of Lock Haven; two step grandchildren, Lydia Barlup (Nathan) of New Bloomfield and Iris Peters of Newport, Pa. and seven great-grandchildren.
Along with his wife and parents, Andy was preceded in death by three siblings, William "Bill" McNitt, Anna "Annie" McNitt, and Harold McNitt.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, Jan. 4, 2024, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Trinity United Church of Christ in Centre Hall. A memorial service to celebrate Andy's life will be held on Friday, Jan. 5, 2024, at 1 p.m. at Trinity UCC with Rev. David Downer officiating. A graveside will follow at the Reformed & Lutheran Cemetery in Centre Hall with full military honors.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Sons of the American Legion Squad 779, 2928 Penns Valley Pike, Centre Hall, PA 16828.
The family would like to thank the staff of Valley View for their compassionate care.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Barbara Daughenbaugh Funeral Home, Inc of Centre Hall. To share memories and condolences online, please visit daughenbaughs.com.