Johann Seitz

Johann (Hans) Seitz, 78, of Cheshire, passed away peacefully at the Smilow Cancer Center of Yale New Haven Hospital on July 30, 2018, surrounded by family and friends. Hans was born in Munich, Germany on February 12, 1940.

He first arrived in the United States as a young Fulbright scholar in American Studies to spend the 1961-62 academic year at Hamline University in St. Paul, Minnesota. In recognition of the academic training already completed in Germany, Hamline University awarded Hans a B.A. in 1962. Hans moved to the United States permanently in 1964, first earning an M.A. and by 1971 a Ph.D. in German literature from the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. It was during this time that he met a fellow student and his future wife, Renate, whom he married in 1967.

Hans was a faculty member of Yale University’s German Department from 1969 to 1978. In the fall of 1978, Hans began a new career as Manager of International Projects with the Farrell Corporation in Ansonia, Conn. His assignments at Farrell took him all over the globe, from Mexico and Brazil to Japan and China, yet Hans found time to complete an MBA with a concentration in International Business at the University of New Haven in 1983.

He officially retired in 2008, eager to pursue his lifelong passions for travel, nature and photography. He loved the outdoors and was an avid swimmer, hiker and kayaker. He never left home without his trusty Nikon camera, memorably documenting trips, family gatherings and his encounters with birds and flowers. Last year he fulfilled his dream of experiencing the natural wonders of Hawaii and Alaska up close. Hans was an avid reader, solver of at least one daily crossword puzzle, and a passionate supporter of native American communities out West. Despite his many interests and activities Hans was also a loyal friend to many, always ready to lend a helping hand to those in need.

Hans is survived by his wife Renate Seitz of Cheshire, his daughter Angelica and husband Mark LeBoeuf of Hadley, Mass., as well as his son Michael and wife Darlene Seitz of Stamford, Conn. He also leaves behind six grandchildren who were his pride and joy: Benjamin and Miranda Pitta, Samuel and Annie LeBoeuf, and Leah and Evan Seitz.

A memorial service is planned for the fall.

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