Andrew Frank Pitas, 85, Founding Member and first President of the Air Traffic Control Association, passed away on March 2, 2009. He was born in Massachusetts to the late Julia (Mendryzchwski) and Joseph Felix Pitas.

Mr. Pitas along with some colleagues founded the Air Traffic Control Association in March, 1956. He is hailed by the ATCA as a legend as he was involved with all aspects of the association, especially the Scholarship Fund. Scholarships are awarded to support the financial needs of students who have chosen to seek higher education in the science of air traffic control and other aviation disciplines.

A resident of Leesburg, Virginia, he was married to Marion Ray of Leesburg and father of Andrew F. Pitas, Jr. of Moab, Utah, John F. Pitas of Falls Church, Virginia and Francis R. Pitas of Leesburg, Virginia. He was also grandfather to 3 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. Mr. Pitas is also survived by his sister Margaret and brother Joseph. He was predeceased by siblings Sophie, Nellie, Helen, Theodore, William and Stephen.

In honor of Andrew Pitas, family and friends are invited to share his memories at Colonial Funeral Home, 201 Edwards Ferry Rd. NE, Leesburg, Virginia 20176 on Monday, March 9, 2009 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church in Leesburg, Virginia on Tuesday, March 10, 2009 at 10:00 am. The Father Tran will be officiating. Burial will follow in the St. John's Cemetery in Leesburg, Virginia.