Craig D. Kitt

Craig D. Kitt

Aug. 3, 1951 - Nov. 28, 2022

EAST HAMPTON, N.Y. — Craig D. Kitt of East Hampton died Nov. 28, 2022, in Southampton. Craig was born Aug. 3, 1951, in Imperial, Neb., to Paul W. and Elnora (Cushing) Kitt, the oldest of three children. He was raised on the Dundy County family farm south of Wauneta, the hometown where he attended elementary school and graduated from Wauneta High School in 1969.

Craig was a lifelong pianist. In high school and college, he studied under Joyce Hershberger and Audun Ravnan. After earning his degree in music from the University of Nebraska, Craig moved to New York City, where he was company pianist for the Dance Theater of Harlem. Other career roles included grant writer for NOW Legal Defense & Education Fund and The Floating Hospital, NYC. In 1986, he moved to East Hampton where he was director of Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons; and then organist at St. Michael’s Lutheran Church in Amagansett, N.Y.

Craig’s lifelong ministry as a church musician began when he started playing piano at Mount Zion Methodist church worship services as a young teenager. He served many congregations as church pianist/organist/choir director during his life. In addition he taught, encouraged, mentored, and supported youth musicians learning to offer their talents in sacred and secular settings.

Craig performed many solo piano recitals in Nebraska and New York throughout his life. He played for, often organizing and planning, community ensemble performances, community theater productions, memorial and benefit concerts, including a benefit concert in 2009 for the renovated and reopened Fox Theatre in McCook Neb.

In retirement years, Craig helped local elders by driving them to medical appointments and grocery shopping, even during the Covid pandemic. He also enjoyed cooking, gardening, reading, and playing the piano daily, of course.

Craig was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Kent Kitt. On Dec. 7, 2022, his partner of 35 years died, Kenneth Miller of East Hampton. Craig is survived by sister, Paula Kitt of Lenexa Kan.; nephew, Ryan (Meghan) Busking of Houston, Texas; great-nephews, Bowen and Weston Busking; aunt/uncle, Joyce and Erwin Cushing of Stratton, Neb.; many cousins and friends.

Memorial services were Dec. 3, 2022, at 11 a.m. at St. Michael’s Lutheran Church, Amagansett. Gifts in memory may be given to Lutheran Summer Music Academy, P.O. Box 8687, Minneapolis, MN 55408 or to a charity of the donor’s choosing.