William F. Bittle Jr.

PrintPrint
Aug 22 1926
Mar 7 2018
91 Years
Cochranville, PA

William F. (Bill) Bittle, Jr, 91, of Cochranville, passed away on Wednesday, March 7, 2018 at the Quarryville Presbyterian Retirement Community.  He was the widower of the late Dorothy J.  (Limber)  Bittle who passed away in 1999, after more than 44 wonderful years of marriage.

Born in Schuylkill Haven, PA, Bill was the son of the late William F. and Mary Elizabeth (Straub) Bittle.  After graduating from Schuylkill Haven High School in 1944, he continued his education, earning his Bachelors Degree from Penn State University in 1948 and his Masters Degree from Columbia University in 1954.  

Mr. Bittle spent his entire career as a respected educator, beginning in 1948 at Cochranville High School as a History and Social Studies Teacher, Basketball Coach and Baseball Coach; then at Octorara Area School District, first as a History and Social Studies Teacher and Athletic Director, then as Principal of Octorara Area Elementary School, and finally as Director of Elementary Education.  After his retirement in 1983, he worked part-time for a number of years at the U.S. Post Office in Bart Township, PA.

Mr. Bittle was a respected member of the Cochranville United Methodist Church and sang for many years in the church choir. He also served on the West Fallowfield Board of Supervisors and was an active member of the Octorara Rotary Club, LanChester Chorus, and the Cochranville Golden Agers for many years. The happiest moments of his life revolved around those he loved. Not only his immediate family, but countless others in his extended family around the world whom he encouraged to "celebrate life." 

Hobbies included stamp collecting, his passion for photography (well known for his daily Facebook postings),  jazz and big band music, and traveling the globe.  His travels took him to Argentina, Brazil, Japan, China, North and South Africa, and across the continent of Europe.  He chaperoned a number of Rotary Tours of the US in the 1980's and 90's, serving as a mentor, teacher and friend each year to approximately 250 Rotary foreign exchange students from more than 40 different countries.

A life-long Phillies fan, he enjoyed attending Spring Training in Florida for many years. He was also a diehard Penn State football fan and season ticket holder.

Mr. Bittle is survived by his children, William F. Bittle III and wife, Elaine, of Ellis, KS, Kevin L. Bittle of East Greenville, PA, Alison Henry and husband, Keith, of Perkasie, PA, Christopher B. Bittle and wife, Becky, of Lancaster, PA, his companion of many years, Roberta McLaughlin of Christiana, PA, grandchildren, Kyle, Erich, Evan, Megan, Ryan, Tyler, Carly, Dylan and Dory and 6 great grandchildren.  One of seven children, he was preceded in death by brothers, Ivan Bittle and Austin Bittle, and sisters Eleanor Sholley, Kathryn Bittle, Dorothy Bittle and Mary Ellen Bittle. 

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a celebration of Bill's life on Saturday, March 24 at the Octorara Area High School Auditorium. Visitation will be held from 1 to 3 pm followed by a service at 3 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Cochranville United Methodist Church, 92 Church St. Cochranville, PA 19330, or to the Rotary Youth Exchange (include on memo line) Checks may be made payable to Rotary District #7450 and mailed to Rotary Youth Exchange c/o Dawn deFuria, District Governor, 230 Baldwin Drive, West Chester, PA 19380.

 

Service Date: 
Mar 25 2018 - 2:59pm
Service Location: 
Octorara High School Auditorium

Condolences

R.I.P MR. BITTLE I will miss all your joyful posts .. praying for Chris and the bittle Family.

Back to top

I will truly miss Mr. Bittle .. he shared pictures of our "homeland" which always made me smile or gave me a memory or the beautiful area that we were fortunate to grow up in.  Thank you, Mr. Bittle .. 

Back to top

Mr. Bittle you captured the moment, lived a full life, your way, thanks for sharing, caring and showing others what a good upstanding human being can be. Until we meet again. Our family will miss you.

Back to top

My heart goes out to his family. He was alot of fun and very talented with a camera. Glad to be in possession of a few that he gave me and have them framed and immensly injoy them. (Sorry Mr Bill, no raisins in my apple cake was one of our jokes--he always told me it would be better if it had raisins) He did, however, enjoy eating it.

 

Back to top

My deepest sympathies for the Bittle family. The Octorara Coomunity has lost a wonderful man. Hoping memories provide peace and comfort to his family and to the community that cherished him! May he rest in peace.

Back to top

My deepest sympathy and prayers for Mr. Bittle,s family.  He will be missed by many.  I loved see his pictures on the Cochranville page.  He was also a very special part of my mother’s life.  REST IN PEACE

Back to top

We send our heartfelt condolences to the beloved family and friends of Bill Bittle. As Bill often wrote at the end of his letters - "Celebrate Life!"  -from Lee and Peggy McCardle at State College, PA

 

Back to top

He was one of my inspiring teachers who led me to be a history major in college.  It was always nice to see out and about in recent years.

My sympathy to all his family and friends.

Sue Jackson

Back to top

My prayers are with the family. Bill was a great friend in Cochranville Area, a lover of history and nature, photographer, singer, and member of the Cochranville Chorus since it's inception in 1995. We'll miss you, but look forward to meeting in Heaven some day. 

Back to top

So sorry to hear of his passing. He meant so much to me, Cochranville and Octorara. A tireless man and stalwart of the community. He will be missed.

Back to top

We would like to send my sincere condolences to the entire Bittle family and Roberta (Dolly) McLaughlin in the loss of your Father, Grandfather and friend Mr William F. Bittle

Love

Barb and Eddie Baylor

Back to top

RIP Mr. Bittle. Thank you for being such a great friend and companion to my mother. You will be missed!

Back to top

I am so glad I got to visit with "Dad Bittle" the times he was in North Dakota. He always had great stories to share. Thinking of Roberta and all of the family.

Lori Erickson

Back to top

We are so sorry to hear of Bills passing. Our thoughts and prayers and deepest sympathy go out to all of Bills family. 

Back to top

I lived down the hill from Mr. Bittle for years in Cochranville. He was our principal when I was young. After his retirement my brother and I would visit him regularly. He was so kind and told us many stories. He always seemed so genuinely happy to have us visit. You’re so blessed to have had such a wonderful father. I’m so sorry for your loss. 

Back to top

Allison and family,Sorry to hear of your father's passing.Prayers to all

Back to top

A life well lived.He left a beautiful legacy .Our thoughts and prayers are with all of his family at this sad time.

Back to top