Kevin Robert Evitts

Kevin Robert Evitts, 67, of Derby, beloved husband of Karen (Trinder) East, lost his battle with Melanoma on November 8, 2022. Born on November 25, 1954 in Milford, CT, he was the son of the late Robert and Patricia (Kelly) Evitts.

Kevin proudly served his country in the United States Air Force. He was the former owner of Derby Nautilus and Power House Gym in Derby, but Kevin’s passion, was always Martial Arts. He and his wife, Karen, owned and operated Martial Arts America in Derby and Milford for over 25 years, where his students and most parents referred to him as “Mr. Evitts”. The lives he touched are innumerable. He was a role model for so many children and adults. He had a special way of making every student feel important while striving for their individual personal best. Outside of work, Kevin was always ready to have a good time. He loved his downtime. Kevin loved spending time with his grandchildren, who affectionately called him “Pop”. He spent many years on the Long Island Sound on his boat named “Kick It”, and when he came ashore, you could find him in downtown Milford at Stonebridge and SBC. Kevin treasured every relationship he formed throughout those years. He appeared tough on the outside, but had a very big heart. Everyone felt a little bit safer in his presence.

In addition to his loving wife, Karen, Kevin is survived by his children, Shannon (Peter) Palumbo, Kevin P. (Courtney) Evitts, and Alyssa ( Jacob) Leslie, and their dog, Zoe; grandchildren, Dylan and Ella Palumbo, and Ryan Evitts; and his sister, Susan (Evitts) Asermely.

The family would like to send a special thank you to all of the doctors, nurses, and technicians at Smilow Cancer Hospital and Gaylord Specialty Healthcare.

Friends and family may call from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 19, 2022 at the Cody-White Funeral Home, 107 Broad St., Milford, CT. Military Honors will commence at 12:30 p.m. Interment will be private. To leave online condolences, please visit our website at www.codywhitefuneralservice.com