Todd Hunter Fitch

Todd Hunter Fitch (born January 24, 1959 in Burlington, Vermont) passed away on Wednesday, November 6, 2024. He was 65 years old. The son of Arthur Erwin Fitch and Beatrice (Kit) Murial Lucia Fitch, Todd was the youngest of three and had an adventurous upbringing on County Road in East Montpelier, Vermont. He enjoyed getting into mischief around the neighborhood with childhood friends, frequenting the Adamant Co-op (founded by his grandfather Clarence Fitch), and helping with chores on his Aunt Barbara’s farm. He also loved spending time with animals–so much so, in fact, that his first pet was a puppy (aptly named ‘Happy’) who he brought home from school after forging his mother’s signature on a permission slip for her adoption.

He cherished his summers, which he spent with his parents, siblings, extended Harvey family, and friends lakeside at Nelson Pond in Woodbury, Vermont and Mascoma Lake in Enfield, New Hampshire. He took great pride and joy in sharing these places with others and was elated to make memories by the water upon starting his own family, determined to pass down the century-old family traditions. 

A born and bred hunter, Todd was keenly attuned to and deeply respected nature and its creatures, a trait he ardently sought to bestow unto others. Hunting, tracking, and fishing with his father, his brother-in-law Milan, his best friends, his daughter Eliza and step-son Nick, and his nephew Burke fulfilled him immensely. He was not devout to any one faith. Rather, his religion was being outdoors. Being outside on a walk, a hike in the woods, working around the house, or manicuring the lawn were also treasured outlets for Todd. 

None other was as bright a light in Todd’s proclivities as playing the acoustic guitar and singing, especially if he could share it with others. His repertoire became a familiar and storied component of gatherings amongst family and friends, whom he encouraged to follow his lead and join him in song no matter how faulty their pitch or lyric recollection. 

Throughout his childhood and during his education at Union 32 High School in Barre, Vermont and Keene State College in Keene, New Hampshire, Todd loved to play basketball. He passed his love for the game onto his niece, Lucia, for whom he was a dedicated coach, spectator, and supporter. He was also a lifelong Minnesota Vikings fan, donning purple and yellow every Sunday during football season and craftily mowing “GO VIKINGS” onto the front yard of his Stowe, Vermont home regardless of the season’s outlook or results. He was a golfer and loyal member of Blush Hill Country Club in Waterbury, Vermont, where he would eventually sit on the board of directors. He was a volleyball player, a water skier, a biker–whatever kept him busy, moving, and among good company.

Todd was a furniture salesman for the entirety of his career. The occupation came naturally to him–a social butterfly and conversationalist with a warm disposition and an eccentric personality. A people magnet. He retired in 2021 following a traumatic brain injury. In the wake of the injury and its associated health difficulties, Todd and his wife, Rachel (married 2012), moved from Vermont to Raleigh, North Carolina in 2022. He enjoyed the mild weather, the kind locals and neighbors, the deer which frequented his backyard, his introduction to the game of Pickleball (although he played by his own rules most sets), exploring the surrounding lakes and trails with Rachel and their dog, Gracie, and getting to know his fellow residents at The Cambridge at Brier Creek.

More than anything, the greatest joy of Todd’s life was to bring the people he loved–and complete strangers–together and make them smile. Whether through nonsensical and outrageous jokes, fireside singalongs, earnest advice in tough moments, or simply a shoulder to lean on, Todd was guaranteed to brighten anyone’s day. 

Todd is predeceased by his parents, Arthur and Beatrice Fitch, his brother-in-law, Milan (Cobb) Lawson, and his dog, Kemba Sue. He is survived by his wife, Rachel Fitch; his daughter, Eliza Fitch and her mother, Barbara Bull Fitch; his step-sons and their spouses, Hayden Smith and Cristina Piergentilli, Nick Smith and Alysha Hall; his grandson, Charlie Piergentilli- Smith; his sisters, Martha Fitch and Corinne Lawson; his in-laws, Pat and Bob Swartz, Rebecca and Dan Butcher, and Anne and Kevin Cornish; his nieces and nephews, Lucia Bragg, Dan Bragg, Peter Talbot, Dan Lawson, Ben Butcher, Kate Butcher, Burke Cornish, and Hannah Cornish; his dog, Gracie Jane; his lifelong best friend, Stewart Lawson; and countless others whom he adored and who all miss him dearly. 

Memorial service details are forthcoming. In lieu of flowers, please direct donations to (the Brain Injury Alliance of Vermont), and (Saving Grace Animals for Adoption)