Obituary of William J. Bittner

William “Bill” J. Bittner, 92, of Deptford, a husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather passed away on June 24, 2020.

Best known as “Pop Pop,” or “Bubber,” Bill is now reunited with his loving wife of 69 years, Ida. The couple raised five children together and will be remembered by them and their spouses: William Jr. and wife Maria, Linda Harrigan and husband Allen, Stephen and wife Virginia, Michael and wife Linda, and Daniel and wife Pauline. Pop-Pop will also be dearly missed by his 10 grandchildren: Bill, Melissa, Amanda, Michael, Shawn, John, Gina, Shannon, Zachary and Samantha and 10 greatgrandchildren: Billy, Ben, Emmalin, Arianna, Michael, Alora-Anne, Lawrence, Lillian, Cameron and a baby girl arriving in the fall. Bill is also survived by many nieces, nephews and friends.

A long time resident of Gloucester County, Bill was born in Philadelphia on June 9, 1928 to his parents, James and Anna (nee Dobbins) Bittner. A proud WWII veteran, Bill served as an electrician’s mate during the war and also played on the Navy service baseball team. After the war, he continued to serve at Fort Zachary Taylor in Key West FL, until 1948. Following the Navy he had a long and distinguished career in the Department of the Navy as a naval weapons systems engineering technician for battleships and destroyers. One of Bill’s favorite places to take his grandchildren and great-grandchildren to visit was the Battleship New Jersey in Camden, where he served as one of the original docents. In his career Bill helped recommission the ship for service in the Vietnam conflict, and accompanied the ship through the Panama Canal during its service trials.

Bill was a long time Little League coach and community volunteer in Westville, influencing many young lives with the spirit of sportsmanship and athletics. He spent many days on the golf course where, he said, it never rained. He scored three hole-in-ones during his time on the green and even continued golfing into his 90s. Bill loved his time on the course and enjoyed traveling while in the Navy, but his favorite thing to do was spend time with his family. From trips to museums to hours-long games of Cribbage, Poker, Old Maid and Go Fish, Pop Pop was always there and ready to play with his grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. He attended every baseball and softball game, dance recital, concert and graduation and never forgot a birthday. He was always interested in his family and proud of their accomplishments.

In addition to his beloved Ida, Bill is now also reunited with his parents and his siblings James, Francis, John, Elizabeth and Eleanor.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St.Jude’s Children’s Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee.

Visitation and memorial services are private due to the coronavirus pandemic.