Dr. Henry E. Vittum, 93

Dr. Henry E. Vittum, 93

LACONIA — Dr. Henry E. Vittum, 93, a retired professor at Plymouth State University, passed away on June 8, 2016, at St. Francis Rehabilitation and Nursing Center after a period of declining health.

Dr. Vittum was married to his beloved wife, Ethel Teissmond who passed away in 1987.

Dr. Vittum was born in Laconia on Aug. 2, 1922 to Edwin and Zilla Vittum. He attended school in Meredith, and graduated from Meredith High School in 1940.

Following high school, Henry attended Plymouth State College to continue his education, but this was disrupted when he joined the Army and fought in the North African campaign during World War II.

Upon returning from the war, Dr. Vittum continued his education at Rutgers University and New York University and went on to receive his Ph.D. at Tufts University.

His life was dedicated to education, as was that of his wife who taught for many years. Dr. Vittum taught at Goffstown High School, The New Jersey Institute of Technology, Rutgers University, and retired from Plymouth State University after more than 30 years of teaching his area of expertise, English literature.

Dr. Vittum spent a number of years as chairman of the English Department at Plymouth State University. Not only did he have a lasting impression on future teachers and others he taught in college, but he was extremely instrumental in the many changes that took place from the day of Plymouth State Teachers' College to the-now Plymouth State University. Dr. Vittum was an avid Dickens' collector and had a passion for the works of William Shakespeare.

Dr. Vittum was predeceased by four siblings, Mae Marshall, Doris Foster, Ethel Eastwood and Edwin Vittum.

Survivors include his special friend A. Patricia Harlow of Thomaston, Connecticut; his loving niece, Zilla Legassie; nephews, Jonas Eastwood and Kevin Eastwood; as well as great-nieces and great-nephews.

Dr. Vittum's life will be celebrated with a memorial service to be held at the Plymouth United Methodist Church, 345 Fairgrounds Road, Plymouth, on Saturday, June 18, at 10 a.m.

By his request, in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to the American Cancer Society.

For more information, or to sign Henry's on-line book of memories please visit www.mayhewfuneralhomes.com. The Mayhew Funeral Homes & Crematorium of Meredith and Plymouth are assisting the family with arrangements.