Gittins was born in Oswego, New York and attended St. Paul's Academy there.

He engaged in the lumber, grain, and coal business and graduated from University of Michigan Law School in 1900.

Gittins was a member of the New York State Senate (47th D.) in 1911 and 1912; and a delegate to the 1912 Democratic National Convention.

Afterwards he resumed the practice of law, and was appointed commissioner of the Niagara Falls State Park in 1918, serving until 1940.

Gittins moved to New York City in 1923 and continued the practice of law until 1956.