Skip to content
Obituaries
Link copied to clipboard

Warren A. Witte, 74, social service representative

Warren A. Witte, 74, of Newtown, who worked throughout the country to offer aid and social assistance through Quaker organizations, died Wednesday, Dec. 17, at Temple University Hospital of an acute respiratory infection.

Warren A. Witte
Warren A. WitteRead more

Warren A. Witte, 74, of Newtown, who worked throughout the country to offer aid and social assistance through Quaker organizations, died Wednesday, Dec. 17, at Temple University Hospital of an acute respiratory infection.

Born in Wauwatosa, Wis., Mr. Witte spent much of his life in social service through the American Friends Service Committee and Friends Services for the Aging. After retiring in 2006, he remained involved in service through a committee he established to assist Bosnians and the Friends Board Training and Support Project, Chandler Hall and George School.

"I think that's just what he was called to do," daughter Gail said of his commitment to social service. "That was something that was his lifelong work. That was his passion."

In retirement, Mr. Witte found time to indulge his talent for photography. He also loved classical music, gadgetry, hiking in the mountains, and dogs.

"He had a genuine ability to detect and bring out the best in everyone," his daughter said.

Mr. Witte was the youngest of three children born to Gertrude and Arthur Witte. He graduated from the University of Colorado with a bachelor's degree in political science in 1964 and the next year married Patricia Anderson, a nurse who he met while she was working on an Indian reservation. They remained married until her death in 2011 of pancreatic cancer.

Both Wittes took jobs with AFSC and worked in Des Moines, Iowa, Philadelphia, Denver, and Seattle. In 1969, they represented the organization in Hong Kong.

Mr. Witte was particularly involved in developing educational and assistance programs for American Indian populations in the Midwest and Pacific Northwest, and managed public relations for AFSC while working in Philadelphia.

Mr. Witte, a member of Chestnut Hill Friends Meeting, was an energetic advocate for Bosnians affected by war in their home country in the 1990s. He and his wife hosted two Bosnian students who attended local schools. Mr. Witte also founded and served on the board of the Community of Bosnia in Philadelphia.

In 1992, he was named executive director of Friends Services for the Aging, a senior service provider in the area.

In 2012, Mr. Witte married Yoma Ullman, who lived in the same Newtown retirement community, Pennswood Village. She shares his passion for photography and they enjoyed trips through the United States and Europe.

In addition to his wife and daughter, Mr. Witte is survived by son Eric; a sister; two nieces; and two grandsons.

A memorial service is scheduled for 11 a.m. Feb. 14 at George School Meeting House, 1690 Newtown Langhorne Rd., Newtown.

Memorial gifts made be made to Pennswood Village Fellowship Fund at www.pennswood.org and Mercer Street Friends at mercerstreetfriends.org.