Karl Leroy Kitchen, Jr., 80, passed away peacefully on Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026 at 1:50 PM in Palm Harbor, Florida.

Born October 13, 1945 in Williamsport, Karl was the son of the late Karl L., Sr. and Dorothy E. (Price) Kitchen.

Following his graduation from high school in 1964, he began working at Wildwood Cemetery. During his time there, he faced the difficult and deeply personal task of digging the grave for his own father, who passed away at the young age of 47.

With the encouragement of his older brother, Kenny, Karl enlisted in the U.S. Navy, proudly serving during the Vietnam War with assignments in Hawaii and Vietnam. Upon returning home, he married his high school sweetheart, Cheryl Gwen Fischer, and together they raised their beloved daughter, Karol.

Karl dedicated 30 years of service as a respected Head Custodian for the Loyalsock Township School District. Following his retirement, he remained active by operating a lawn care service, maintaining the grounds of thirteen homes and businesses.

In his spare time, Karl found joy in working on his many cars and trucks, riding motorcycles, playing bingo, and spending time at the YMCA. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to family and friends, a reflection of his generous and caring nature.

Mr. Kitchen will be deeply missed by his only daughter, Karol Combs, and her husband, David; grandsons, Joshua and Alexander; as well as his baby sister, Karen DiMassimo, her husband, Americo, and their daughters; niece, Charisse Blumberg; and nephew, Luther “Lukie” Stroup, and his wife, Amy.

In addition to his parents, Karl was predeceased by his brothers, Kenneth and Keith Kitchen; and his second wife, Ann Kitchen.

As he wished, arrangements were made to bring Karl back to Pennsylvania so that he could be laid to rest in that same grave he had dug for his father almost 55 years ago.

A service to honor the life and service of Karl will be held at his graveside at 10 AM on Thursday, April 16, 2026 at Wildwood Cemetery, 91 Cemetery Rd., Williamsport, where military honors will be rendered. For those able to attend, please consider wearing something red, which was Karl’s favorite color.

To send online condolences, visit http://www.SandersMortuary.com