Gene Witt namesake dies

Another former superintendent with East County ties died this morning.

Gene WItt, 85, died Feb. 5, less than a month after 75-year-old Robert "Dan" Nolan. 

No funeral arrangements have been announced, yet.

Witt was an educator with the Manatee County School District from 1955 to 1994.

But, the former educator leaves behind more than his 11 years as a superintendent and range of educational influence in and out of classrooms.

Witt has an East County school that even bears his name — Gene Witt Elementary School.

The local school ranked better than 88% of elementary schools statewide and is ranked fourth among 40 ranked elementary schools within the district, according to School Digger.

Although Superintendent Rick Mills didn't have a close relationship with Witt, he admires the "lasting legacy" the nearly 40-year educator leaves behind.

"Mr. Witt touched and shaped thousands of lives and careers," Mills said in a press release. "From what I have learned about him, he will long be remembered for his personal character and integrity. We are proud that Gene Witt Elementary School will continue to keep his memory alive for generations to come."

Contact Amanda Sebastiano at [email protected].