Dick WittDick Witt, a resident of both Syracuse and Sebring, Fla., passed away unexpectedly at Indiana University Medical Center, Indianapolis, on Friday, May 28, 2021. Age 81, he was a loving father, husband, grandfather and great-grandfather.
Born Richard Cary Witt on Aug. 24, 1939, in Indianapolis, Dick was the son of the late Walter and Olive Witt. He graduated from Broad Ripple High School in 1957 and went on to graduate from Butler University in 1961.
Professionally, Dick worked for NAPA Auto Parts. He began his career climbing the corporate ladder, working in distribution centers and corporate settings for several years though this required his young family to move around, and he was often traveling. In 1973, he purchased his own NAPA store in Warsaw and later added stores in nearby North Webster and Syracuse. This was fitting as his father, Walter, worked for NAPA. Later, his own son, Gary, joined the family business, and in 2019, Dick’s grandson, Josh, became the fourth-generation owner of the NAPA family business with assistance from his brother, Zach.
Dick was a huge fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and enjoyed golfing. He was a longtime member of the Warsaw Breakfast Optimist Club and of Warsaw First Presbyterian Church where he was a deacon and an elder. Many may remember him as a member of the Warsaw Zoning Board, but his friends remember him best from their long-standing Friday evening dinner group.
Perhaps it was his proximity to Speedway or his uncle’s career as a race car mechanic in the 1950s and ’60s that lead Dick to love the Indianapolis 500. He attended the race and festivities many times and watched or listened to it when he could not. He will be listening from a higher place this year.
Dick’s other great love was Lake Wawasee. As a high schooler, his family spent their summers at the lake. In 1972, his family purchased a home on Lake Wawasee, which is where he and Nancy have called home since 1994. His daughter, Gay, shares the same love of the lake. Summer weekends found her and her family, Dan, Kari and Sean making next-generation memories. Another favorite time of Dick’s at the lake was his weekly Wednesday visit with Gary and Candy and his twin great-grandsons.
To his family, Dick is best remembered for his dedication to them - he would do almost anything for his family, especially his grandchildren for whom he rarely missed an event or occasion. He was a little bit ornery and very much a person to take charge, helping his family in any way possible.
United for nearly 60 years, Dick was married to Nancy (Marshall) Witt on June 16, 1961; she survives at home. Also surviving are their two children: daughter, Gay (Dan) Davis, of Fishers; and son, Gary (Candy) Witt, of Warsaw; five grandchildren: Kari (Connor) Evans, of Fishers; Josh (Hannah) Witt, of Warsaw; Sean (Molly) Davis, of Westfield; Zach Witt, of Warsaw; and Melvin Freels, of Clarksville; two great-grandsons: twins, Lake Richard and Oliver James; and sisters: Barbara (Sam) Mitchell and Sue (Jim) Matheny.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Don Witt.
Titus Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Warsaw, is entrusted with Dick’s care. Following his wishes, simple cremation will take place. A future, family-led memorial service is being planned.
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In lieu of flowers, donations in Dick’s memory can be made to IU Health Foundation-IU Health University Hospital at P. O. Box 775589, Chicago, IL 60677-5589 or iuhealthfoundation.org/donate.
