George R Zittel Sr, "Ticker", age 71, of Poughkeepsie, New York passed away on Saturday April 16 ^th , 2022, after an 11 month battle with Pancreatic Cancer. His loving wife, family and best friend were by his side. He was a graduate of Arlington High School, Class of 1969. After high school he served his country by enlisting in the Army National Guard where he spent six years.
In 1974 George started his employment at IBM Poughkeepsie as a Security Guard. After a brief time, he moved into the Emergency Control Department, and this is where his passion for firefighting grew. He continued his employment as a Technician for various sub-contractors of IBM, including JLL which he was employed by until present day.
George enjoyed fishing, scuba diving and spending time with his family in Rhode Island. George was a man of service who spent many years volunteering with the Town of Lagrange for both the Youth Baseball program and the LaGrange Fire and Rescue Department, which he later became a Life Member. George was known by many as a hardworking and loyal man who would do anything for those close to him.
He is survived by his soulmate to whom he was married for 47 years, Barbara C.  Zittel (LaGrange); 3 children: Dawn Zittel and fiancé Richard Bose, George R. Zittel, Jr and Bryan Zittel and his wife Katie Zittel; 3 grandchildren: Kollyn Zittel, Addison Zittel and Paige Zittel; his brother Wayne E. Zittel Sr and  wife Terri Zittel; 2 Nephews: Wayne E . Zittel Jr. and wife Chrys Zittel and Jason Mumma; 3 nieces: JoAnn Zittel and her fiancé Hector Mayo, Jessica Graff and Sarah Margherita. He is predeceased by his parents Marquerite "Peggy" Zittel, George F.  Zittel and his sister, Jacqueline Mumma.
The family would like to express our thanks to for the wonderful help and care given by Hudson Valley Hospice. If desired, friends may make memorial contributions at HVHospice.org or to PanCan.org.
"Any man can be a Father, It takes someone very special to be a Dad".
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday April 23 ^rd from 1pm to 4pm with military honors at 3pm  and a Fire Chaplin Service at 3:30 pm at Parmele, Auchmoody & Schoonmaker Funeral Home 110 Fulton Ave., Poughkeepsie NY 12603. A reception will be held at the conclusion of services at LaGrange Fire Department Station #2, 504 Freedom Plains Rd., Poughkeepsie, NY 12603.