Obituary: Former Woodside fire chief dies Obituary: Former Woodside fire chief dies (August 24, 2005)

Arthur James Kitto, former chief of the Woodside Fire Protection District, died August 15 in Redwood City. He was 66.

Chief Kitto was born in San Francisco, and his firefighting career began in 1960 when he served in the U.S. Navy, first at the Alameda Naval Air Station and then at the Treasure Island Naval Station in 1961.

In 1962, he joined the Redwood City Fire Department as a firefighter, and in 1966 was promoted to engine company captain.

In 1976, he joined the Woodside fire district as fire marshal, and in 1979 was promoted to deputy chief. He served as Woodside's fire chief from his appointment in 1983 until his retirement in 1992.

Thanks to his money-management skills, the Woodside fire district went from having to borrow money to meet payroll in 1983 to having nearly $3 million in reserves when he retired nine years later, colleagues said.

Woodside Fire Chief Mike Fuge praised Chief Kitto's skills in firefighting tactics and strategy, and credited him with developing the department's training program.

He is remembered as an avid 49ers fan who loved to go camping and fishing with his family, going on annual cruises with his wife and collecting guns of all types. He was known for his famous spaghetti recipe and for his pride in being an American.

He is survived by DeAnne, his wife of 46 years; his children Ardith Kitto-Gutierrez of Half Moon Bay and Connie Kitto of Redwood City; and five grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his daughter Dori E. Kitto and his son Arthur Kitto Jr.

Services were held at the Redwood Chapel in Redwood City.

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