Date of death: 12/18/2010
Saint Meinrad Class: O 1947
Robert Ludington Kitchin, 88, was born in 1922 at Richmond, Indiana, to Harry G. and Anita (Ludington) Kitchin. Robert attended Saint Meinrad Seminary for six years, then studied four years of theology at Catholic University, Washington, D.C., receiving his M.A. in Philosophy. In 1947, he was ordained at Saint Meinrad and celebrated his First Mass at St. Mary Church, Richmond. His first appointment was as Associate Pastor of Sacred Heart Church at Clinton in 1947. Subsequently, he was assigned in 1949 to Holy Cross, Indianapolis, served St. Mark Parish, Indianapolis, 1950-1959, then was named Spiritual Director of Providence High School in Clarksville until 1962 when he was appointed principal of the newly constructed Chartrand High School, Indianapolis. In 1969, he was appointed Pastor of St. Susanna at Plainfield. His 25th Jubilee of faithful service to the Archdiocese of Indianapolis was celebrated in 1972. He was later granted leave of absence at his request, then laicization. Until retirement, he continued caring for and enabling others as a Regional Director of the Green Thumb project, later known as Experience Works, the Senior Employment Community Service Program of the Older Americans Act. Bob was and forever will be warmly loved and deeply appreciated by students, friends and extended family whose lives were blessed by his caring and enriching presence. Robert Kitchin was preceded in death by his parents, and is survived by wife, Cheryl (Ray), his brother, Samuel M. Kitchin, many nieces and nephews and their descendants. Visitation will be at Daniel F. O’Riley Funeral Home, 6107 S. East Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46227 on Tuesday, December 21, 2010 from 4pm until 7pm. Calling will also be held at St. Mary Church, 710 North A Street, Richmond, Indiana on Wednesday, December 22, 2010, from 10am until 11am immediately followed by a Mass of Christian Burial. Internment at St. Mary’s Cemetery, 240 South 6th Street, Richmond, Indiana will follow. Memorial gifts to (Chartrand) Roncalli High School’s Tuition Assistance Fund or the Chapel Fund, 3300 Prague Road, Indianapolis, IN 46227. Online condolences may be shared with the family at orileyfuneralhome.com.