This is the story of a legendary man, loved by all who knew him and cherished by his family. Floyd C. "Duff" Kitto went home to be with the Lord, surrounded by family on June 1, 2026. Duff was born July 29, 1937 in Brownville, NY. He was the only child of Floyd H. and Pauline (Randall) Kitto. Even as a young boy, Duff had an entrepreneurial mindset. At age 12 he began buying and renting handmade boats at his parent's newly purchased land on Pillar Point. What started as a dream and an opportunity to make some money turned into the longest standing business on Pillar Point, Kitto’s Marina, now owned and operated by his daughter, Diantha and son-in-law, Eddie, and will continue to be his legacy for future generations.

Duff graduated Salutatorian of Dexter High School in 1955. He went on to graduate from Clarkson College of Technology in 1959 with a Bachelor Degree of Science in Civil Engineering and was a member of Alpha Chi Rho Fraternity. Shortly after graduation he married the love of his life, Susan P. Sanford. Duff was a member of the U.S. Army and Reserves from 1960-1968. Following his commencement from Clarkson, Duff was employed by NYS Department of Transportation for several years. From 1975-1999, he worked in partnership with Bernier, Kitto, Peck and Gozalkowski Architectural and Engineering (now known as Bernier, Carr and Associates.) for 5 years. He then went into a concrete block partnership at Taylor Concrete with Frank Taylor and George Woodruff, part-owning and operating there from 1975 to 1999, a business his son Scott continues to work at and serves as Vice President. Following his retirement from Taylor Concrete Duff worked independently as a Professional Engineer and served as the Director for the Black River-Hudson River Regulating District. Up until he passed, Duff continued to have great pride in his Engineering skills and never officially retired from those duties. He took pride in maintaining his certification and continued to stamp plans and talk shop. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Watertown, NY.

Duff was full of ideas to improve the community in which he lived. When his children were young he was active in all aspects of their lives whether it was theater with his son Kevin, or sports teams and events with his children. As a matter of fact, Duff was one of two men who began the Watertown Hockey Association, later coaching his sons. He then started the first Watertown girl's hockey team, coaching his daughter. Hockey was his favorite sport to coach and watch. He was a passionate “Clarkson Techer”, and lifetime fan of Clarkson Hockey.

In his community of Dexter/Pillar Point Duff was inspired to create an event that would promote the livelihood of Dexter and began an annual event known as Dexter Riverfest. Duff was also a 32nd degree Master Mason based out of Dexter Lodge #1072. He was a longstanding member of the Dexter American Legion Post #583 and also a lifetime honorary member of the Pillar Point Fire Department. In his silly yet sincere character Duff was the “Admiral” of a group of men dubbed the “Pillar Point Militia” during the microburst of 1995 during which they distributed free ice and gas for generators from the marina for those impacted.

Duff's greatest joys in life were traveling the world with his bride of over 66 years, Susie, and being the best dad, grandpa, and great-grandpa ever. Duff never met a stranger. And if you knew Duff, chances are you have a story that will clearly define his selfless character and a life lesson to go with it. He was a father figure to many, including Anthony “Tony” Jones Vickie Guga, and his favorite contractor, Steve Hall. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Duff is survived by his wife, Susan, his children, Kevin (Marietta) Kitto, Scott (Kim) Kitto, and Diantha (Eddie) Velasquez, 12 grandchildren: Christopher, Kayla, Colby, Zackary, Nicole, Danielle, Anthony, Cedrick, Alexus, Joshua, Mia, and Braedon; and 14 great grandchildren. Duff was predeceased by his parents, Floyd and Pauline, and a grandson, Kevin R. Kitto, Jr.

Calling hours for Duff will be held at Hart & Bruce Funeral Home, 117 N. Massey Street, Watertown, NY on Saturday June 6th from 1-4 p.m. Directly following calling hours will be his funeral with Pastor Brian Rockwell officiating at the funeral home. A “Celebration of Life” will be held at a later date. Duff designed hundreds if not thousands of projects in this area and one of his last projects was the Dexter Fire Department’s “The Last Station” at the Dexter Historical Society where he and Gerry Kostyk spent numerous hours designing the project all free of charge for the betterment of the community. Therefore, in lieu of flowers, please donate to either the Dexter Historical Society (546 Brown Street, Dexter) or The Pillar Point Fire Department (11430 Middle Road, Dexter) in memory of him.

Online condolences may be left at www.hartandbrucefh.com