Dr. William E. Nitch 1943-2024

William was born Dec. 7, 1943, in Youngstown. Raised on the South Side, he was a graduate of South High School, Class of 1961. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Youngstown State University in 1966, majoring in marketing and music. He then earned a master’s degree in marketing / management from Case Western Reserve University in 1968. In 1971, he earned a master’s degree in education from Troy State University, majoring in college administration.

Dr. Nitch met the love of his life in 1960 at South High School – Judy Bradley. They were together for 41 wonderful years until her death in 2001. They had a perfect marriage and raised three successful children, William Nitch Jr. (deceased), Kathleen Duganne (Douglas) and Sandra Queen (Robert). He leaves four grandchildren, William Duganne, Bradley Duganne, Charlie Queen and Sarah Queen.

He was a devoted father and grandfather and rarely missed an event of his children or grandchildren. He always said that he was so lucky to have his children and grandchildren live in the same town as he did so he could see them and enjoy their company at any time.

Dr. Nitch was fortunate enough to meet his second love in 2009. He and Loretta Jacob were together for 15 years, until his death. They loved being together in retirement and enjoying the closeness of their separate families. They lived seven months in their condo at the Tampa Bay Golf and Country Club, and five months in their condo in Boardman. Bill played golf four days a week until 2023; then he was content to enjoy reading, watching sports and playing cards with friends.

Dr. Nitch started his business career as a research analyst for The Standard Oil Corporation in 1968, but because of the Vietnam War, he joined the Army in 1969 and graduated as a second lieutenant from the Army Artillery Officers School in 1970 and the Army Helicopter School in 1971. After serving three years on active duty, he spent the next 26 years in the Army Reserve. He was on active duty for Desert Storm and spent the last eight years of his career working for the secretary of the Army at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. He retired as a lieutenant colonel in 1998. He was a true patriot!

He began his teaching career at Troy University in 1970, where he taught marketing and accounting. He was hired to teach vocational education for the Niles City School System in 1972. He soon became the director of the vocation and business departments and retired from the Niles City school system in 1998 after 27 years of service.

Dr. Nitch earned a doctorate in education from Nova Southeastern University in 1980. During his illustrious career, he was an adjunct professor for Kent State University, Youngstown State University and Eastern Gateway Community College, where he taught many different business and education courses. He retired from Eastern Gateway Community College in 2021, at the age of 78.

In addition to being a career educator and military officer, Dr. Nitch also owned and operated three businesses in the Youngstown area. CW Enterprise was a property rental business, InComTax Inc. was one of the first computerized tax consulting companies in Youngstown and Nitch Enterprises, a business consultant company.

He also did motivational speaking engagements. His opening attention-getter was, “I started at the top and worked my way down,” because his career was opposite of most people. He first worked in industry, then taught at the college level, and spent most of his career working in the public school environment. The teaching position that gave him the most satisfaction was placing young high school students in jobs and teaching them the importance of work ethics and the importance of being dependable.

He was a member of Western Reserve United Methodist Church in Canfield, Grace Community Church in Wesley Chapel, Florida, Argus Masonic Lodge and The Youngstown Shrine Club. He also was a member of the Mill Creek Senior Golf League for 18 years.

He leaves behind his wife, Loretta Jacob; his two daughters, Kathleen Duganne (Douglas) and Sandra Queen (Robert); and four grandchildren, William Duganne, Bradley Duganne, Charlie Queen and Sarah Queen.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Judith Bradley Nitch; a son, William Nitch Jr.; his father and mother, Frank and Margaret Nitch; and a sister, Barbara Bushyager Fellers.

Family and friends may call 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Fox Funeral Home, 4700 Market St., Boardman. A memorial service will take place at 5 p.m. Saturday, at the funeral home, officiated by Pastor Russ Adams.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Edward J. Fox & Sons Funeral Home, 4700 Market St., Boardman. Family and friends of William may visit www.foxfuneralhome.org to view this obituary and to leave condolences for the family.

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