Arthur Leland Wittmer

Arthur Leland Wittmer, 93, passed away peacefully on December 21, 2015, with family by his side at the Glenridge Retirement Community in Sarasota. Arthur was born on May 7, 1922 in Cleveland, Ohio to parents Russell Jay and Hazel Daniels Wittmer. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Phyllis, of 66 years in 2012. He is survived by daughter Dr. Linda Lee Gratny (Mark) of Leavenworth, KS; son Robert Jay Wittmer (Marilyn) of Ashburn, VA; five grandchildren, Eric Martin of Leavenworth, KS; Christopher Martin (Mary) of Aguadilla, PR; Dr. Kelly Carlson (Eric) of Leavenworth, KS; Maggie Young (Austin) of Elmore City, OK; and Russell Wittmer (Anna) of Winchester, VA. Survivors include five great grandchildren, Libby, Asher, and Nora Martin of Aguadilla, PR; Elizabeth and Jordan Wittmer of Winchester; his sister-in-law, Tee Daugherty, of Birmingham, AL; and many loving nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his daughter, Elaine Marie Martin, and grandson, Kyle Lee Gratny. Arthur graduated from Case School of Applied Science, now Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering. His career with North American Manufacturing Co., Cleveland, Ohio encompassed 34 years, retiring in 1981 as their Executive Vice President. He served in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers during World War II. He met Phyllis, the love of his life, in 11th grade geometry class at Heights HS, Cleveland Heights, Ohio. Arthur was active with the Coast Guard Auxiliary and the Bird Key Yacht Club. Arthur's passion was sailing, boating, enjoying his antique car collection and spending time with family and friends. He shared many wonderful times sailing the Great Lakes and coastal Gulf of Mexico waters with Phyllis, his family and friends and later traveling the United States in their motor home. Arthur and Phyllis moved to Long Boat Key, FL in 1982, enjoyed many years of retirement in the Sarasota area and later moved to the Glenridge, in June 2004. A Celebration of Life memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm in the Sanctuary of the Church of the Palms, 3224 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota, 34231 on Saturday, February 6, 2016. Private internment at Venice Memorial Gardens, Venice FL. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity in memory of Arthur. Funeral arrangements by Toale Brothers of Sarasota.

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Arthur Leland Wittmer

May 7, 1922 - December 21, 2015