Custos of St. Mary, Jeffrey McKitty, lost his battle with prostate cancer and died on April 7 at his daughter’s home in Silver Springs in the US state of Maryland.
Jeffrey McKitty has been ailing for some time and took leave from his position as custos last year August, to seek medical treatment.
Following his training and early years as a teacher, McKitty who hails from St Ann had a distinguished career in the hotel industry and managed several hotels for SuperClubs and then the Sandals/Beaches chain here and overseas. He settled in St Mary and was well known for his voluntary work in that parish where he chaired several school boards. He was honoured by The Times as a GEM.
Even though he was not originally from St. Mary, Jeffrey McKitty was appointed Custos of St. Mary on January 14, 2013.
McKitty’s long time friend A.A Bobby Pottinger, custos emeritus of St. Mary, described McKitty as a man who was well loved who was always involved in the development of St. Mary. “Jeffrey McKitty was a good man and a very good organizer who was my successor as Custos. He was involved in the St. Mary Agri-Expo for close to nine years and was involved in numerous projects,” explained Mr. Pottinger.
Mr. Pottinger went on to note that arrangements for the funeral are ongoing. The funeral is expected to be held at the St. Mary Parish Church and he will be interred in the church yard of the St. Matthews Anglican Church.
McKitty is survived by his wife, Yvonne, two daughters and other relatives.
