from the USTA Communications Department

Columbus, OH — Robert Mount Baggitt Sr., 81, of Upper Freehold Township, N.J., died Oct. 1, 2014, at Jersey Shore University Hospital, Neptune Township.

Mr. Baggitt was born in Freehold and was a lifelong resident of the area. He served in the U.S. Navy of the Korean War, serving from 1950 to 1956.

He was a line foreman for the New Jersey Bell Telephone Company, Freehold, where he was employed for 36 years before his retirement in 1991. After his retirement he was a school bus driver for the Allentown School System.

Mr. Baggitt was a member of American Legion Post No. 54, Freehold, the Tin Can Sailor Association, a member of Colts Neck Fire Company No. 1 from 1960 to 1980, and a founding member of the Colts Neck First Aid Squad. He was a member of the first group of officers to serve in Colts Neck Township Police Department, a Colts Neck Little League coach, and Boy Scout Leader in Colts Neck.

He was a 34 year member and director of the Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association and a member of the USTA.

He is survived by his wife, Sandra Powers Baggitt; children, Robert M. Jr. (Christine), Ellen (Michael) Cunningham, Larry (Tina), Timothy (Kelly), and Nancy (Robert) Fitts; sisters, Rosemary Smock and June (Larry) Higgins; grandchildren, Tyler, Erica McDonald, Logan Cunningham, Connor Cunningham, Alessandra, Lauren, Christina, Riley, Bob J. Fitts and Jesse Fitts; great grandchildren, Ella McDonald and Rylee Fitts; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, William C. and Angela Mount Baggitt; sister, Ann; brothers, Jack (Joanne) and William; and brother-in-law, Arthur Smock.

Visiting will be held at the Higgins Memorial Home, 20 Center Street, Freehold, on Sunday (Oct. 5) from 2-4 p.m.and 6-8 p.m. The Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated at St. Rose of Lima Church, Freehold, on Monday (Oct. 6) at 10 a.m. followed by interment at St. Rose of Lima Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.