William F. Bittle Jr.

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.