Retired Colonel Francis H. Vittek
On July 12, 2023 Francis Henry Vittek passed away. He was the beloved husband of 58 years to the late M. Kathleen Vittek (nee Krach); devoted father of Kathleen Stern (August), Timothy Vittek (Sara), Brian Vittek (Eva), Claire Infussi (Robert), and Amy Grace (Scott); cherished grandfather of seven grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren; he was preceded in death by his parents Frank and Emma Vittek, and his brothers Joseph Vittek and Albert Vittek.
Francis was a man of many passions in his lifetime. First, he had a tremendous love for his family and was a very proud father, grandfather, and great grandfather. In his early years, Francis loved playing baseball for Kenwood High School, mostly as a catcher. He was recruited by both the Pittsburgh Pirates and Brooklyn Dodgers after graduation. Unfortunately, after attending minor league camp in Cambridge for the Dodgers, shoulder problems sidelined his promising baseball career. However, he enjoyed watching the game of baseball, especially the Orioles, his whole life. Francis enlisted in the Army after World War II ended and spent a year stationed at a military hospital in Tokyo, Japan as a reconditioning officer. He had very fond memories of his time in Japan and was so happy to have met General MacArthur who had toured the hospital in Tokyo. He also was able to travel to both Hiroshima and Nagasaki. After his time in the military, Francis joined the Baltimore County Police Department where he moved along the ranks from Patrolman to Colonel over the span of a 29 year career. He loved every moment he spent with BCPD. He is well known for sharing amazing stories from his police days, which even included delivering a few babies into the world. Francis will be fondly remembered and loved as a man who made a huge difference in the lives of all those he touched.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit at Schimunek Funeral Home of Bel Air Inc., 610 W. MacPhail Rd. Bel Air, MD 21014 on Sunday, July 16, 2023 from 4-8 PM, where a Funeral Service will be held on Monday, July 17, 2023 at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow at Highview Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in Francis’s name may be made to The American Red Cross, PO Box 37839 Boone, IA 50037.
