Obituary: John T. Pitcher, 61

John T. Pitcher, 61, of Barrington Hills, passed away, Aug. 5, 2012, peacefully at home.

He was born on July 19, 1951, to Carroll and Edith Pitcher in Elgin, Ill.

John’s grandfather was a famous architect who designed the former and many houses in Barrington. His grandmother was one of the organizers of the . John has lived in the house designed and built by his grandfather his entire life. John himself was a very accomplished and fulfilled person. He loved nature and knew all of the surrounding forest and nature preserves. John loved birds and plants and was an encyclopedia of knowledge about any topic. He enjoyed taking photographs and listening to classical music and opera music. He was an avid reader, especially of Mark Twain and W.H. Auden. He was a wonderful carpenter: he built many things for his family.

He was devoted to the University of Chicago. He received his BA and MA degrees there and then continued to work there for over thirty years. He was proud to be involved in the construction of the University’s new Mansueto Library. John’s family was the most important part of his life. Even though he was not a sports fan, he greatly enjoyed watching his daughter, Jenny, play roller hockey. We love you Daddy and we will always love you!

John is survived by his beloved wife, Ewa “Ava” (nee Samul); children, Ola, Jenny and Ian; brother, Robert (Cindy) Pitcher; father-in-law, Tadeusz Samul; mother-in-law, Tamara Samul; sister-in-law, Agnieszka Samul; nieces and one nephew. 

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorial service will be on August 19, 2012, at 3p.m., at the Barrington United Methodist Church, 98 Algonquin Road, Barrington, IL 60010.

Burial will be held privately.

Donations in John’s memory may be made to the “Pitcher Children Education Fund” at (201 S. Grove Avenue, Barrington, IL 60010) and Citizens for Conservation (www.citizensforconservation.org).

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