Stanley J. Vitt passed away on September 5, 2026, at the age of 97, following a long life filled with family, friendship, service, music and an enduring curiosity about the world around him.
Born in Philadelphia on August 10, 1929, Stan graduated from Penn State in 1952 and served in the United States Army from 1952 to 1954, followed by service in the Army Reserve until his honorable discharge in 1960. He went on to a 32-year career in the aerospace and computer industries before pursuing a variety of interests in retirement.
Rochester held a special place in Stan’s life. He moved there as a young man in 1957 for a position with Stromberg-Carlson, and it was in Rochester that he first met Elaine R. “Chickie” Raycroft in 1959. Life initially took them in different directions, and each married and raised a family. More than two decades later, they found one another again. They eventually built a life together in California and married in 1990, surrounded by their blended family.
Stan and Chickie shared a love of music, travel, good food and adventure. Following Chickie’s death from cancer in 2003, Stan preserved their story in a manuscript he titled They’re Playing Our Songs. He remained close to members of Elaine’s family and to friends in Rochester throughout the years.
Family and relationships were deeply important to Stan. He is survived by his daughter, Paula Rachel Vitt, and his son, Joel Aaron “Aaron” Vitt, both of Winter Park, Florida; and his sister, Abrea Firestone, of Tampa, Florida. Paula spent the last three months with her father, sharing stories and music and helping him remain connected with family and friends.
Proud of both his Jewish heritage and his military service, Stan served for more than ten years as Commander of Jewish War Veterans Post 512. He was also a longtime member and former Board member of Congregation Etz Hadar in Redlands, California, where his devotion to the community was recognized with the Shomer HaKehilla Award.
Stan possessed an extraordinary memory and maintained friendships across decades and distances. He loved classical music, writing, movies and learning and remained remarkably engaged with life well into his 90s.
After more than two decades apart, Stan will return to Rochester to be laid to rest beside Chickie, at the gravesite he chose following her death and where he had a stone placed bearing both of their names.
For the family and friends who knew and loved them in Rochester, Stan’s return brings the long story of Stan and Chickie full circle.
