Obituary of Mitchell Hitman

Mitchell Hitman Mitchell Hitman, 71, a lifelong Hammonton resident, died at home surrounded by family and love January 3rd, after living actively with melanoma for 15 years. He graduated from HHS, 54, and Lehigh Univ, 58. After graduation he began working at the family business, K&H Auto Stores (founded by his father, Harry, in 1935) and was a key part of it with his brother, Bob, until it closed in 2004. Mitch was the person responsible for the formation of the Hammonton Bicentennial Band in the 70s. He was a charter member of the Hammonton Revitalization Corporation and active with the Chamber of Commerce as well. He was recently honored by Temple Beth El congregation for his dedication and service to the synagogue as treasurer and caretaker for over 30 years. He was dedicated to his family, the business and music his entire life. Some of the bands in which he played saxes and clarinets are: HHS Band; marching Lehigh 97 and dance bands; Egg Harbor Masonic Band; VFW Band in Mays Landing; Hamm Bicentennial Band; Tri-County Band in Camden Co; South Shore Symphony at ACCC; Olney Symphony in Phila; Cumberland Co Community Band, Barrington. He immensely enjoyed playing in the pit bands for high school musicals. His musical career culminated when he was accepted as a charter member to play for the South Jersey Area Wind Ensemble (SJAWE) in 1997. His last concert with them was Nov 16, 2007. He was predeceased by his parents, Harry Hitman and Evelyn Block Hitman. He is survived by and will be sadly missed by his first wife and the love of his life, Peg (Spiegel) Hitman, married nearly 49 years. He will also be sadly missed by his loving children; son Samuel Hitman (Sarah DuBart), of Denver, CO; daughters Debra Eberly (Chris) of Warrenton, VA; Tamara Hitman, of Denver, CO; son-in-law Andre Mailhot; and grandchildren Aaron, Matt, Alex, Jacob, Leah, Jack and Sonny; brother, Bob Hitman of Hammonton; and many cousins, friends, dear members of Temple Beth El, former classmates, Caring Hospice helpers. The family requests that you honor him with donations to a charity of your choice or either of his favorite ones: Center for Advancement of Cancer Education, (CACE) 300 East Lancaster Ave, Wynnewood, PA, 19096 or Temple Beth El, 642 Bellevue Ave, Hammonton, NJ, 08037. A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held on Sunday, Jan 6th at 2 pm at Temple Beth El in Hammonton.