ALTAMONT — Henry H. Witt Jr. — a Navy veteran, lifelong dairy farmer, and devoted family man — died peacefully on Monday, Oct. 18, 2021, following declining health.

He was born 91 years ago on Oct. 13, 1930 in Sharon, Connecticut to Laura (née Lehman) and Henry H. Witt Sr.

He graduated from Middleburgh Central School and went on to serve in the United States Navy from 1955 to 1957.

“After his military service,” his family wrote in a tribute, “Henry returned to his beloved Schoharie Valley and was a lifelong dairy farmer, owning and operating Middle Fort Farm. Henry retired in 1987 after selling the farm and moved to Ft. Myers, Florida, where he lived for 20 years.

“While in Florida, Henry greeted patrons at the local Hess station and also lent his knowledge and work ethic to the local citrus plant in Fort Myers for five years.  

“He also enjoyed growing heritage hops from the Schoharie Valley and planting them wherever he lived.

“Henry not only loved the land and the animals on his farm, he also had a deep love of his community and his faith. He was a member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Middleburgh, a member and past president of the Lions Clubs in Middleburgh and Fort Myers, a member of the Farm Bureau in Middleburgh for 20 years, and he attended many Agway Conventions through the years and traveled all across the United States and Europe whenever he was able.

“Henry’s love and memory will be held forever in the hearts of his wife, his children, and his grandchildren.”

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Henry H. Witt Jr. is survived by his wife, Renate (née Hensen) Witt, whom he married on Sept. 10, 1957; his children, Bonnie Spencer and her husband, James, of Altamont, Glenn Witt and his wife, Jean, of Aylett, Virginia; his grandsons: Tyler Witt and his wife, Chelsea, of Aylett, Virginia, Eric Witt and his wife, Amber, of Mechanicsville, Virginia; sister Nora Van Deusen of Cobleskill; Kelvin Nahrwold and his wife, Nan, of Middleburgh, Mary Mercer and her husband, Duane, of Middleburgh, Marcia Drogsler and her husband, BJ, of Queens and many great-nieces and nephews.

His grandson, James Wyatt Spencer, died before him, in 2009.

“Henry’s wishes for a private memorial service will be honored with his family at Coltrain Funeral Home, LLC, 134 River Street, Middleburgh and they thank you for remembering Henry and them through this time,” his family wrote.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Town of Wright- Schoharie Valley Lions Club, Post Office Box 42, Gallupville, NY 12073 or to the Animal Shelter of Schoharie Valley, Post Office Box 40, Howes Cave, NY 1209.