Former Lansdale Mayor Richard B. (Dick) Bitner passed away Monday morning in Seattle, WA.
According to Lansdale Historical Society President Dick Shearer, Bitner served as the Lansdale Borough Mayor from 1974 through 1977, and had been living in Seattle with his wife, Joyce, for about seven years. During his time as mayor, Bitner played an active role in the Bicentennial celebration, and welcomed the cross-country wagon train for an overnight stop in Lansdale during that period.
“We fondly recall Dick’s quick wit, unmistakable smile and commitment to his home town,” said Shearer.
A graduate of the Boston College or Pharmacy, Bitner began his work at Bitner’s Apothocary in 1956, and later served as the owner and proprietor of Bitner’s Pharmacy, Bitner-McArdie Pharmacy and Bitner-McVan Pharmacy, according to Shearer. Bitner was also an active member of the Lansdale Jaycees from 1958 to 1980.
“It is always useful to look to our past and see where we have come from, and Mayor Bitner was and is a part of our community’s great history,” said Lansdale Borough Mayor Garry Herbert. “His work on the bicentennial will always be remembered and appreciated.”
Bitner was preceded in death by his parents, Richard Mathias and Johanna Kavash Bitner, and sister, Joan Biemesderfer. In addition to his wife, Bitner is survived by sons Richard W., Kenneth G., Jonathan R., and daughter, Constance J. Hines; grandson, Ian R. Bitner, and five great grandsons, according to Shearer.
Services are pending.
See also:
Obit: George T. Palmer, 59, Community Volunteer
Obit: Katherine 'Katie' Walton, 40, of Lansdale
Local pizza legend Nino Maltese dies at age 85
Taylor Goettner, Newlywed Cancer Patient, Dies at 26
George K. Seelig, 79, of Lansdale's Cardinal Camera
