Seth Edward Pitkin

Seth was born January 29, 1960, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, to Belmont Royce Pitkin and Clotilde Whitney Dorman. The family returned to Vermont in 1961, where Seth lived for the rest of his life, aside from time away at college. He attended Twinfield High School, Johnson State College, and The Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington, where he earned his undergraduate degree and met his future wife, Susan Curley. They married in 1987.

In 1994, Seth earned a graduate degree in chemical hydrogeology from the University of Waterloo in Ontario, where he worked with John Cherry to develop new techniques for sampling groundwater contamination.

Seth built a distinguished career in hydrogeology, specializing in groundwater remediation. He became one of the country’s leading contaminant hydrogeologists and developed strong teams within both local and national engineering firms.

Travel was a defining thread throughout Seth’s life. His early experiences began with childhood camping trips and an eight-month family journey across Europe, the United States, Mexico, and Canada. In his late teens and early twenties, he continued exploring—camping and traveling through the Northwest and Alaska with his father and others, embarking on several cross-country hitchhiking adventures, and spending semesters in the field with Susan in Hawaii and Death Valley. Many years later, he shared a two-week trip through France, Spain, Greece, and Morocco with his daughter Molly. His work also took him around the world, including Australia, Japan, Brazil, Europe, and each of the 50 states. These travels became the source of many cherished stories—both interesting and hilarious. No matter how far he travelled, how long he was away, or how big the adventure, Seth felt fortunate to return home to Vermont. He always remarked on his love for the green mountains. 

He strongly valued community engagement. Seth served on the Cabot School Board for several years, coached basketball during his daughters’ school years, and was an enthusiastic supporter of their activities and passions. He also chaperoned numerous field trips, including a memorable week in Belize with the high school biology class, and served on the Board of Directors of The Health Center in Plainfield.

Seth was a storyteller whose quick wit kept his family and friends laughing endlessly. He loved his family deeply. He will be greatly missed.

Seth is survived by his wife, Susan; daughters Molly (Eric Clark) and Rachael; brother Caleb (Mary Carpenter); mother-in-law Kay Curley; brother-in-law Bobby Curley (Violette-Anne Onfroy); his pup, Zuma; his grand-dog, Josie; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his mother, Clotilde Pitkin, who died in February.

A celebration of Seth’s life will be announced at a later date.

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