Richard William Bitely's Obituary
“Uncle” Richard Bitely, age 79, of St. Petersburg, Florida, went to be with our lord and savior on Wednesday, November 24, 2021, at St. Anthony's Hospital. He was born October 22, 1942, in Jamestown, New York. He is preceded death by his parents Henry and Ona Bitely and his furry children Frisky and Mr. Kitty.
Uncle Richard was deeply loved by his family and known to everyone that met him as Uncle Richard. Uncle Richard loved playing cards, cooking, fishing, classic cars, calling us all dorks, anything and everything lemon flavor, Elvis, country music, and his family. He was a wizard at math and remembered everyone’s birthday.
His first job was at a roller rink in his hometown where he was a speed skater. He took great joy in teaching Cindy, Teresa, and Tina the art of skating. He retired from Tyrone Mall in St. Petersburg Florida as Maintenance Supervisor where he was known as "Dickie" to all his co-workers and friends. Uncle Richard is also preceded death by his best friend Ted who worked with him at Tyrone mall. They enjoyed grabbing a few cold ones after work at Cody’s. He also loved going to Biff Burger and looking at all the classic cars at the car shows.
He helped in the raising, and was a father, to Cindy, Teresa, and Tina. His sister Carol is very thankful for his part in their life. To anyone and everyone who took a part in his life, please know he loved you and he loved telling any memory he shared with you! He still carried a picture of his one true love from Jamestown, NY in his wallet.
He was a man of Christian faith, and the family would like to give a huge thank you to Miss Barb for playing a huge part of turning Uncle Richard toward God, she also called him Uncle Richard from the moment they met.
He will be especially remembered by his sisters Caroline Morris and Phyllis "Sis" Cole; nieces and nephews Cindy (Bob) Schaer, Teresa Breland, Tina Good, Brenda (Steve) Griffin, Larenda (David) Lutgen, and Kenny Jandrew; great-nephews and great-nieces Jessica (DJ) Wagner, Chris Schaer, Amanda (Ezekiel) Villa, Courtney Haddad, Dylan Sponsler, Jacob Haddad, Josh Sponsler, Heather (Ash) Sturgeon, Michael (Donna) Nosal, Sabrina Lutgen, Tiffiny Lutgen; several great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews, and his beloved cat Kibby.
We can celebrate his love and compassion for us all and know he is now safe in the arms of God with no more sorrow and more no pain and he is looking down at us. Please listen to Peace in the Valley by Elvis Presley in memory of Uncle Richard. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMD8d7oUjxw
The family will be having a celebration of life at a later date in Uncle Richard's hometown of Jamestown, New York.
What’s your fondest memory of Richard?
What’s a lesson you learned from Richard?
Share a story where Richard's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Richard you’ll never forget.
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