(Founding Member Of Open Door In Delta)
Samuel Vincent Witt, previously of Delta, Ohio, passed away on August 16, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Sam was born on April 25, 1941, the son of Francis and Elizabeth (Dickerson) Witt.
He grew up in Metamora, Ohio, with eleven siblings. Sam graduated from Saint Mary’s High School in 1959. On January 7, 1961, he married his sweetheart, Kathleen (Finney).
Together, they had six children and were blessed with 41 years of marriage until Kathleen’s death in 2002.
Sam’s entrepreneurial spirit was evident in the different professions he worked in throughout his long career. Sam’s business created hundreds of local jobs throughout his life.
In 1980, he established Sam Witt & Sons, a concrete company that employed dozens of people, including all his sons. In 1986, he formed Winameg Contractors, a residential construction company.
His work in construction developed three subdivision communities in Delta and has built homes for hundreds of families.
In the ‘90s, he started S&K Center, a store-safe company with three corporate offices and 100s self-storage units. In 2003, he was a partner in establishing Fayette Industrial Properties, a factory with dozens of employees.
In 2004, he created Winameg Properties, a commercial lease company. His many successful ventures are a testament to his dedication, hard work, and commitment to building communities by helping families.
On December 4, 2004, Sam’s family expanded when he married Claudia Kay Riley. They were blessed with 20 years of marriage together. Sam’s greatest joy came from his family – he was delighted as his family grew, welcoming grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He was a doting grandfather who always kept his candy supply well-stocked to send home with the grandkids. Sam’s true passion was helping people.
His work in philanthropy was founded on his belief that building strong communities starts with helping neighbors. In Delta, Sam was involved with several community organizations, including the Open Door of Delta, where he served as a founding member.
He was instrumental in the growth of Open Door by adding its first campus expansion, serving on the board of directors from 2005 to 2015, and as president from 2012 to 2015.
Sam was a man of faith and was a dedicated member of his local church, Hope Christian Fellowship. He served on the church board and was influential in its construction.
Sam is preceded in death by his parents, eight siblings, first wife Kathleen Witt, and granddaughter Mattea Witt.
He is survived by his wife, Claudia Kay Riley, his brother, William Witt, his sister, Betty (Witt) Cross, his sons, Jeffery (Charlene) Witt, Dean (Melanie) Witt, Christopher (Cheryl) Witt, Gregory (Rose Ann) Witt, Kevin (Pauline) Witt, and daughter Deborah (John) Jackman, his stepdaughter Shannon Riley Sullivan, stepsons John (Kelle) Riley, Todd (Vicki) Riley, Tim (Lisa) Riley, and 28 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren with more on the way. Sam was an avid gardener and enjoyed feeding local deer, keeping chickens, beekeeping, and fishing.
Friends and family will be received from 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at Barnes Funeral Chapel and Crematory, 5825 St. Hwy. 109 in Delta. Funeral services for Sam will be private for the family with Pastor Steve Mack officiating. Private interment will be at Greenlawn Cemetery in Delta.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that charitable contributions in Sam’s memory be made to Open Door of Delta, 104 Monroe Street, Delta, OH 43515.
Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.barnesfuneralchapel.com.