Carl W. Flitcraft Jr. 1936-2026

He was born on Aug. 26, 1936, in Salem, Ohio, a son of the late Carl W. Flitcraft Sr. and Mary Rotar Rutkay.

Carl made New Middletown his home in 1962. Over the decades that followed, he devoted much of his life to serving the community he cared so deeply about. Whether through public service, education, emergency response or local business, he was someone who believed in giving back and helping his hometown thrive.

He graduated from Salem High School in 1954, and received his bachelor’s degree from Mount Union and master’s degree from YSU. He began his teaching career with the Springfield Local School District from 1962 to 1975, where he then became principal from 1975 to 1989. He served as mayor of New Middletown from 1965 to 1975. His commitment to serving others also extended to the New Middletown Fire and Rescue Department, where he proudly served as fire chief. Also, after graduating from Brentwood Hospital’s paramedic program in 1982, where he was named outstanding student of the year, he started Mahoning County’s first volunteer paramedic service in New Middletown. He also served on the Mahoning County Paramedic Advisory Board.

In 1987, Carl and his wife, Kitty, opened the Pizza Joe’s franchise in New Middletown and, from 1987 until 2000, further strengthened his ties to the community and the people who call it home. Even after retiring from education, Carl continued to serve the Village of New Middletown as Fiscal Officer from 1997 until illness forced his retirement in 2016. He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in New Middletown.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory his beloved wife of 69 years, the former Lovetta “Kitty” Heberling, whom he married on Aug. 25,1957; his daughters, Anna Marie (Rodney) Knight Sr. of New Middletown and Carlynn (John) Booth of Poland; his grandchildren, Rodney Knight Jr. (fiancee, Dominique) and Melissa (Bob) Donnalley; his stepgrandchildren, Jeremy Booth and Kristina (Jared) Sandine; and great-grandchildren, Bobby and Lilly Donnalley; along with several nieces and nephews, including special nieces, Lesley and Cindy.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Carole Popa.

The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the staff of Home Instead and his wonderful caregivers, Nicki, who was his primary caregiver since the beginning of his journey, providing her loving care every day and Leann, for her kindness and care on the weekends; as well as Hospice of the Valley, for their compassionate care in his time of need.

Per his wishes, there will be no calling hours. A celebration of life will take place at a later date.

Donations may be made, in his memory, to Springfield Township Rescue Squad, 3989 Middletown Road E, New Middletown, OH 44442; or Zion Lutheran Church, 10857 Main St., New Middletown, OH 44442.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Davis-Becker Funeral Home in Boardman.

Please visit www.beckerfuneralhomes.com to send the family condolences and share your memories.

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