Joseph P. Pitman Jr., 93, of Vero Beach, Florida, passed away June 1, 2018, after a prolonged illness. He was born August 21, 1924, in Laconia, New Hampshire and moved to Vero Beach in 1952.

Joe was a veteran of WWII having served in the U.S. Navy and a retired Teacher and Principal with the Indian River County School System. He received his Bachelor's degree from Shippensburg University and his Master's from Stetson University in Deland, Florida in 1959.

Joe was a member of the U.S. weightlifting team and won a World Championship in 1950. He competed in the 1948 Olympic Games and won several national titles. Following Retirement from the school system, he was employed by Island Home Care for 18 years. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Vero Beach and the Sebastian American Legion Post 189.

He is survived by three sons, Joseph P. Pitman III of Vero Beach, David S. Pitman Sr. of Vero Beach, and Steven M. Pitman of South Carolina; 4 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.

Cox Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home handled the arrangements and at the family's request, there will be no public service. Condolences may be shared at www.coxgiffordseawinds.combe shared at www.coxgiffordseawinds.com