Robert O. Witty, A retired president/CEO of the CFCU Community Credit Union in Ithaca, N.Y., passed away May 11 in Philadelphia.

He was 69.

Witty launched his professional career at CFCU in 1969 as an assistant manager when the Ithaca, N.Y.-based cooperative had one office, 2,000 members and $3 million in assets.

He was appointed president/CEO in 1984, and by the time he retired in 2010, CFCU grew to $729 million in assets and 57,309 members. CFCU currently manage $1 billion in assets and serves 70,535 members.

In 2016, Witty was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. He almost died from the disease until when he received a lung transplant in October 2017. Although he recovered, he suffered two massive strokes in early May, which claimed his life, according to his obituary.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Nancy (Stevens) Witty; a daughter Kate (Sean) Howells, and granddaughters Madison and Shelby Howells.

Funeral services were held May 19 at the Perkins Funeral Home in Dryden, N.Y.

The family suggests memorial contributions to The Gift of Life Family House, 401 Callowhill St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19123. The Gift House is a charity that provides support for families of transplant patients.