WILMINGTON — Charles Lloyd Pitzer Jr. passed away Thursday December 19th, 2024.
He was born in Iowa on January 16th, 1932 to the late Charles Lloyd Pitzer and Anna Pitzer. He spent his youth growing up in Burlington, Iowa. Charlie, as he was known, was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 57 years, Suzanne, in April of this year. Charlie is survived by daughters Margo Davies (Owen), Gretchen Wood (Jon), and grandchildren, Alexandra, Freya, Peter, and Emma, as well as sister, Jeanette Camp of Burlington, Iowa.
Charlie received his Bachelors of Science at the University of Iowa. He then served in the United States Army during the Korean war. After his time in Korea, he returned to his studies and received his doctorate of Chemistry at West Virginia University. It is there that he and Suzanne met and married in 1966. As a young research chemist, he worked for Goodyear in Akron, Ohio where he and Suzanne began their family. As Charlie’s career in chemistry progressed the family moved to Louisiana, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Michigan, finally settling in Wilmington, NC in 1985.
Charlie retired from industry and began the most rewarding chapter of his career, when he taught as a professor of organic chemistry in his 70s.
Charlie had the gift of being able to build or fix anything. He enjoyed all sports but especially fishing. He and Suzanne were faithful members of St. Stanislaus Church where he volunteered with their annual Polish Festival and served with the Knights of Columbus.
Charlie was a loving husband, father, and friend. He had a gentle, easy spirit. He was a kind man, both loved and appreciated by all in his life. Charlie adored his family, with a special love for his grandchildren. He will be dearly missed.
