EAST FISHKILL – William J. Pitts II, 76, a lifelong area resident, died on April 5, 2022 at Mid Hudson Regional Hospital.

Born in Newburgh on December 19, 1945, he was the son of William and Lucia (D'Aprile) Pitts. Bill was a plumber and steamfitter with Local #21 in Peekskill. Throughout his career, he taught apprentices and participated in training programs at Purdue University and Michigan State University.

Bill was a parishioner of St. Columba Church in Hopewell Junction. As a classic car enthusiast, he was a member of the Dutchess Cruisers. He also belonged to the Southern Dutchess Sportsman's Club. Bill enjoyed gardening, fishing, hunting and woodworking. Most of all, Bill enjoyed spending time with his four grandchildren and family.

On May 9, 1970 at St. John's Church in Beacon, William married Donna Sheeley, who survives at home. The high school sweethearts were married for 51 years. Bill is also survived by his children and their spouses, David and Kelly Pitts, Marcie and Stephen Karas; his grandchildren, Alexander and Lillian Pitts, Ellie and Peter Karas; his siblings, Lucia Marie O'Hara and Richard Pitts; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents William and Lucia Pitts, and by his brother, Raymond Pitts.

Calling hours will be held on Friday from 4-8pm at the McHoul Funeral Home, Inc., 895 Route 82, Hopewell Junction. The Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Saturday at 10am at St. Columba Church, 835 Route 82, Hopewell Junction followed by entombment at the Fishkill Rural Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made in his honor to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.