Obituary for Dr. Andrew J. Kittell
Dr. Andrew J. Kittell Jr., 80, Portage, passed away July 12,2023 at his home with his family by his side. Andy was born March 6, 1943 in Johnstown, the son of Olga (Benko) and Andrew J. Kittell, Sr. Andy married Linda A. Madden of Hollidaysburg in December 1967. He is survived by his wife Linda of Portage and three daughters Andrea of Johnstown, Leigh Ann of Frankfurt, Germany, and Michele Kittell Connolly and son in law Robert Connolly of Howard; four brothers, Francis (Suzanne) of Portage, Donald of Loretto, Mark (Cecelia) of Portage and John (Amy) of Stafford, VA; and his beloved Brittany Spaniels Bella and Ben. Andy saw himself as a public servant and loved his job as an administrator in the Portage Area School District, where he served for 38 years. After a brief stint as a kindergarten teacher, Andy became principal of the elementary middle school. He later served as high school principal, curriculum director, and then superintendent. Andy was a firm but creative and dedicated leader. Ahead of his time, he implemented a program called “Power of Positive Students” in the 1980s. Many in Portage will remember his “Walter Mitty Talent Show” where community members could perform their acts. He wholeheartedly supported Portage athletes and attended games throughout the year. Not only was Andy passionate about educating others, but he was also dedicated to lifelong learning. He was a graduate of education at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He received a Master’s Degree and a Doctorate in Educational Administration from the Pennsylvania State University. A Pennsylvania boy through and through, Andy loved the outdoors and was an avid year –round outdoorsman. He was a member of the Pleasantvale Hunting Club, where he enjoyed hunting with his brothers and Brittany Spaniels for many years. Often a whirlwind of energy, Andy drew is wife and three daughters into his activities, including his outdoor lifestyle. They recall managing their small farm with a variety of fowl, stocked ponds and at its peak over 20 hunting dogs as well as spending many cold mornings in the tree stand. Friends and family are invited to gather to celebrate Andy’s life on Sunday, July 16 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Crimson Room, at the corner of RT 53 and 164 in Portage. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in the form of contributions to the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies, 216 Franklin Street, Suite 400, Johnstown, PA 15901, to be used to establish a scholarship fund for recipients of the Portage Area High School Dr. Andrew J. Kittell, Jr. Power of Positive Thinking Award or the Traditional Anglers of Pennsylvania, 4 sherry Lane, Portage, PA 15946. The Kittell family is being served by the Jean H. Kinley Funeral Home, Portage, PA
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