Nathaniel P. Pitts Sr.'s Obituary
Nathaniel was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday July 28th, 1935 to the parents of Loyce and Wesley Pitts, Sr. Nathaniel was the ninth of twelve children, three girls and nine boys. His siblings were named as following, Wesley, Jr., Clinton Wilfred, Cornelius Clemons, Herbert Lloyd, Loyce Sobreta, John Harold, Patsy Ladell, Martha Marie, James Benjamin, Felton Rudolph, and Wellington Tyler.
Music always played an important role in Nathaniel’s life. At the age of twelve his gift as a pianist started to emerge when Nathaniel started playing at his parent’s church in New Orleans, Louisiana at Law Street Baptist Church.
After completing his formal education, Nathaniel decided to attend Howard University in Washington, D.C. to study music. While a student at Howard University, Nathaniel became a member of the music fraternity Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. Later he chose to enlist in the U.S. Navy to continue his musical education. After completing his studies at the Naval School of Music, an interesting twist of luck (or fate) led to his duty station assignment at Treasure Island, in the California Bay Area, where he played Clarinet and Saxophone with the 12th Naval District Band. While stationed there, Nathaniel met his future wife, Ora Lee Peters.
Nathaniel and Ora married and later had a son, Nathaniel, Jr. After living in several communities within the Bay area, the family ultimately settled in Fremont, CA in 1971.
Nathaniel worked as organist, pianist, and choir director for different churches; Good Shepard Baptist, Shattuck Avenue United Methodist, First A.M.E. Oakland, The Church by the Side of the Road, and Taylor Memorial United Methodist. While being a husband and dad, postal worker, and church musician, Nathaniel also earned his bachelor’s degree in Sociology from California State University, Hayward (now East Bay). Encompassing US Postal and military duty, Nathaniel Sr. retired after 40 years of governmental service.
There was always music played in the Nathaniel Pitts’ home, as he practiced for work and pleasure. Audiences on the outside could often hear music permeating from his instrument (no complaints, only compliments). Nathaniel will always be remembered as a talented musician, smart, generous, and good-humored (with a quick wit). Also, as James Brown said, he didn’t “take no mess”.
Nathaniel was preceded in death by his parents, Loyce and Wesley Pitts, Sr, and siblings Wesley, Jr., Clinton, Cornelius, Loyce, John, Patsy, Martha, and Felton. He is survived by his wife Ora, son Nathaniel, Jr, and siblings Herbert, James, and Wellington. Nathaniel Sr. also leaves to cherish his memory a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.
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