Donald "Donnie" B. Stitt
August 23, 1954 ~ October 2, 2021
Donald “Donnie” Berkley Stitt, 67, of Vienna, VA, passed away from cancer on October 2, 2021. Just like he dealt with all experiences in life, Donnie managed his illness with strength and grace, and wanted to spend as much time with his loved ones as possible. On his final day, he was surrounded by his wife and children, who he adored more than anything else in the world.
Donnie was born in Washington DC to William and Betty Stitt. As a teen, he excelled in sports and loved spending his time playing football, basketball and baseball. As he got older, he attended University of Virginia where he came to know many of his lifelong friends at the Sigma Chi fraternity. After college, Donnie sparked a romance with Linda Buhl, a sister of one of his good friends. They fell in love, got married and started a family, complete with three daughters. As a family they loved vacationing in the Outer Banks, spending time at the ballfield, and just hanging out and enjoying each other’s company. Being a kind and dependable father was of the utmost importance to Donnie and he certainly did not disappoint when it came to wholeheartedly loving his family.
Donnie took his love for sports from childhood into adulthood. On any given weekend, you could find Donnie on the ballfield, whether it be coaching, umpiring or playing softball. He spent many years guiding the youth of Vienna as a coach in VYI football and basketball and continued his love by coaching his daughters in the various sports they played.
Donnie is survived by his wife Linda Stitt; daughters Kristin Swistak (Brian), Emily Darugar (Fred) and Michelle Stitt; grandchildren Olivia, Katie and Luke Swistak, Hannah and Nathan Darugar.
Donnie had a kind smile and a gentle way about him. Anyone that met him for the first time would say it felt like they knew him for years. To say he would give you the shirt off his back would be an understatement. He was a genuine man, a steadfast friend, and loved by anyone that had the pleasure to know him.
Donnie was born in Washington DC to William and Betty Stitt. As a teen, he excelled in sports and loved spending his time playing football, basketball and baseball. As he got older, he attended University of Virginia where he came to know many of his lifelong friends at the Sigma Chi fraternity. After college, Donnie sparked a romance with Linda Buhl, a sister of one of his good friends. They fell in love, got married and started a family, complete with three daughters. As a family they loved vacationing in the Outer Banks, spending time at the ballfield, and just hanging out and enjoying each other’s company. Being a kind and dependable father was of the utmost importance to Donnie and he certainly did not disappoint when it came to wholeheartedly loving his family.
Donnie took his love for sports from childhood into adulthood. On any given weekend, you could find Donnie on the ballfield, whether it be coaching, umpiring or playing softball. He spent many years guiding the youth of Vienna as a coach in VYI football and basketball and continued his love by coaching his daughters in the various sports they played.
Donnie is survived by his wife Linda Stitt; daughters Kristin Swistak (Brian), Emily Darugar (Fred) and Michelle Stitt; grandchildren Olivia, Katie and Luke Swistak, Hannah and Nathan Darugar.
Donnie had a kind smile and a gentle way about him. Anyone that met him for the first time would say it felt like they knew him for years. To say he would give you the shirt off his back would be an understatement. He was a genuine man, a steadfast friend, and loved by anyone that had the pleasure to know him.
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The Owners and Staff at the Money and King Funeral Home, wish to express our sincere sympathy to you. It is our hope that we may be able to make a difficult time more bearable. Please feel free to call us anytime as we are always available to you. Bob Gallagher Funeral Director
Donnie and I grew up in the same neighborhood. My family and I spent a lot of time with him at sports events and Vienna activities. We will miss him and his warm smile. He was truly a good person. God bless Linda and his loving family. We grieve with you. Love, Maureen (Mo) McMahon
Donnie and I knew one another since elementary school, little league baseball, and beyond. He, like his parents were the salt of the earth. He was in my (our) wedding (1976) and always was a good person and good friend. Linda, to you and your family, we are saddened to learn of your loss. Our hearts ache, but are full of good memories and good times with Donnie. Good bye old friend, rest in peace . Love Don (Donnie) and Sharon Thompson, Tucson, Arizona
Donnie was a lifelong friend and trusted “brother”. The good times we shared will last forever, you meant so much to me and Debbie and our entire family. Love to Linda, the girls, and the families. Rest in peace my brother until we meet again.
Oh my goodness, so many fun and crazy memories! Donnie touched so many lives and will be truly missed. He was one of a kind, and Bob loves that they were Sigma Chi brothers. Julie and Bobby Robeson
Donnie was such a great person and friend. My prayers go out to Linda and family during this tough time. Steve Salyer
A candle was lit for the decedent.
Remember him well around the sports fields of Vienna. Greatly helping the youth of Vienna. Rick and Gail Bjorklund
I have so many fond memories of Mr. Stitt growing up. The thing I remember most is how patient he was, especially, while trying to coach our softball team. I hope he is resting in peace surrounded by sports. Love, Tracy Price
Linda and family, Our prayers and thoughts are with you. We loved Donnie like the brother he was. Time and distance never severed that bond. We will always cherish the memories of the times we shared. Godspeed.
I am saddened to hear of Donnie’s passing. Condolences to the family and many friends. Thanks for your contributions to the youth of Vienna. May you RIP. Coach Hannah
Linda, please accept my condolences on your loss. Sincerely, Ron Lefrancois
My condolences to Donnie’s wife and family. I umpired softball and refereed football with Donnie for a few years. I thought I knew a lot about baseball, till I met Donnie. He was one of a kind. George Reese
I’m incredibly sorry to hear this news, Donnie was a prince of a human being. Linda, it’s been forever since we have crossed paths, I wish great peace and comfort in your grieving.
I’m so sorry to hear this sad news. I remember Donnie (from high school) exactly as he’s described here: kind, dedicated, and loyal to his friends and family. Always a very positive guy who enjoyed a good laugh. Linda and the rest of the family will be in my prayers.
Our condolences go out to the Stitt Family for your loss. Donnie was a very personable guy. Last time I saw him was a couple of years ago at the Vienna Inn – he remembered me from the 70’s! It was just like back in the old days.
There will never be another BULL!!! Many great memories. My condolences to Linda and the girls.
Was so sorry to hear this sad news when I was back in Vienna last weekend. I saw him a few years back at the Inn and he was the same delightful person I remember from JMHS. Prayers for Linda, his daughters and all the many people who loved him.
So long, Donnie. See you on the other side.
Hi Linda! I’m really sorry to hear about Donnie’s passing. Last we chatted he made it sound like he was doing well. My condolences to you and the family. He will be missed. I also am very disappointed that I wasn’t able to make it to his service/viewing. My daughter in South Carolina happened to deliver my 5th grandchild yesterday. I’ve always thought of Donnie as a good friend. We spent many years together out on the football field. He was a great guy and loved his family. Hugs Linda! ??
Linda and family, Times like these are a time of lost words but i will always remember my days with Bill Buhl Electric, Billy’s, Stitt’s and Buhl and All Star Movers playing against and with Donnie. I will always remember all the cold beers and conversations at the Vienna Inn and other places around Vienna. With heavy heart i type and will always cherish each memory of all of us together. Potsie (aka David K. Shollenbarger #10 your second baseman)
I will always remember Donnie for his infectious smile and kind heart, maybe some slow pitch softball too❤️ Heartfelt thoughts and prayers to Linda and family during this difficult time.
I learned late of Donnie’s passing but I wanted to send my sympathy to you his family. I watched the recording of his funeral and share the same sentiments of those who spoke that he was a wonderful guy. So many great high school memories and like they said his smile, his great smile! He will not be forgotten❤️