Thomas Fredrick Pittman, BHS 1970

Thomas Fredrick Pittman, BHS 1970

Tom Pittman, BHS Class of 1970 passed away on May 5, 2011 at Los Angeles County Hospital from Melanoma.

Received the following emails from his classmates:

TOM FREDRICK PITTMANOctober 7, 1952 - May 5, 2011Below is a message that I received last night, May 5, from our 1970 classmate, Merle Bobzien:

"Alan,Once again, we lose another 1970 BHS graduate. This afternoon, Tom F. Pittman died at County USC Hospital. Three years ago, Tom had a melanoma removed from his back, and was apparently cleared of the problem. Last Thursday he was admitted to the hospital with a breathing and coughing condition, which turned out to be an aggressive and complete invasion of his lungs. As this was an inoperable and quickly terminal condition, the best that could be done for him was to make him comfortable.

He went on ventilation support two days ago, but sank very quickly, which is common in these situations. This morning the family made the decision to take him off of life support, and Tom died quietly and without a struggle and without pain at 1:43 this afternoon.

Tom was a top photographer and shot innumerable air shows. Tom was a top recording engineer and was the official one for the Santa Monica Symphony. Tom was a contract graphic designer for several publication houses. The void he now leaves affects many.

He is survived by his mother, Mary, of Burbank, and his younger sister, Jayne, also of Burbank, and a 1973 BHS graduate. Tom will be cremated, and arrangements for a memorial service are pending. Right now, the shock of Tom's sudden and unexpected loss is too great for all of his family and loved ones. Merle Bobzien"mbobzien@earthlink.net

Tom Fredrick Pittman grew up in the 2800 N. block of Brighton St. in Burbank. He attended Horace Mann Elementary all the way through. He attended John Muir Jr. High for the 7th grade with many of us. Tom went to a private school, Southern California Military Academy in Long Beach, for 8th and 9th grades. He then returned to public school in Burbank in 1967 and went all the way through 10th, 11th, and 12th grades at BHS with all of us.

Tom lived in Westwood for a number of years now. He was 58 at the time of his passing yesterday. A recent photo of Tom Pittman is included. Our sympathy goes to his family and friends. Thanks to Merle Bobzien for informing us, even though the news is sad.

Alan Landros, BHS 1970