Kenneth I. Pitchford

July 26, 1932 - May 3, 2022

Kenneth I. Pitchford, age 89, of White Oak, died on Tuesday, May 3, 2022. He was born in McKeesport on July 26, 1932 and is the son of the late William C. and Gladys I. Monk Pitchford. He worked at USX National Tube for many years. He was a firefighter and chief for the former Mon-Yough Fire Department as well as a former chief for the White Oak Volunteer Fire Company #1. He was the last surviving Charter Member of Post 701 - White Oak American Legion and was the Mon-Yough Fire Defense Council Coordinator during the Famous Department Store fire in downtown McKeesport in 1976. He was a life member of the White Oak American Legion, General Smedley D. Butler, Post 701 and a life member of the Rainbow Volunteer Fire Company. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War, where he was a certified firefighter. He is survived by son, Kenneth R. (Lisa) Pitchford of White Oak; daughter, Carole (Phil) Palmquist of White Oak; grandchildren, Lauren (Jeffrey Ziegler) Palmquist; Hanna Pitchford; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Kenneth was preceded in death by his first wife, Constance Johnston Pitchford; second wife, Shirley A. Riemenschneider-Pitchford; twin brothers, George Pitchford; Bill Pitchford; and sister, Carrie Mansfield. Family and friends will gather at Strifflers of White Oak Cremation and Mortuary Services, 1100 Lincoln Way, White Oak, PA 15131 (Sue Striffler Galaski, supervisor, 412-678-6177) on Friday, May 6, 2022 from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Family and friends will meet on Saturday, May 7, 2022 at First Evangelical Free Church, 4001 University Drive, McKeesport, PA 15132, for a 9:30 a.m. service with Pastor Kirk Albrecht officiating. Burial will follow in Coulter Cemetery. Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be sent to the Rainbow Volunteer Fire Company, 2916 Jacks Run Road, White Oak, PA 15131 or to the White Oak American Legion, General Smedley D. Butler, Post 701, 2813 Capitol Street, White Oak, PA 15131. To share a memory or condolence, please visit www.strifflerfuneralhomes.com