It is with a heavy heart that the Board of Trustees of the Germanna Foundation announces the passing of our great friend, benefactor, and Honorary Trustee Russell A. Hitt.
Russell, and his wife Joan, supported Germanna in a variety of ways: providing funding and technical assistance to the Foundation when Salubria was damaged in the 2011 earthquake, assistance with operating funds, supporting the trail system at Siegen Forest, the Archaeology program and his most visible contribution, the Hitt Archaeology Center.
Russell was committed to ensuring that the Germanna Foundation thrived for generations to come. Russell communicated that commitment through his gift of the Hitt Archaeology Center. Russell was instrumental in the concept, design and construction of the Center that bears his family’s name.
Marc Wheat, President of the Board of Trustees, said, “Russell has been a friend and source of inspiration for me and my family across two decades. Advice and outlook on life that he has given my wife Marie and I are shared at the dinner table and is influencing the rising generation in the lives of my two children.Germanna is the living legacy of Russell and his generosity. We will greatly miss our friend.”
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Russell A. Hitt, Chairman Emeritus of HITT Contracting, Dies at Age 85 (Hitt Contracting)
Hitt Contracting Chairman Emeritus Russell Hitt dies at 85 (Washington Business Journal)
Photos from the May 2019 ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Hitt Archaeology Center at the Fort Germanna Visitor Center campus (Photos by Pat Mingee):
Photo from the 2014 Germanna Foundation Reunion:
Travel to Germany with the Germanna Foundation