Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1942
DIED
2023
FUNERAL HOME
John Bittenbinder Obituary
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Bittenbinder
~ ~ Fr. Dan Brandt, CPD Chaplain
January 24, 2024
Heartfelt and prayerful condolences from the Chicago Police Chaplains. At the request of Mike and Marcia Schumacher, JJ will be remembered at the next Police Mass.
In the meantime, may family and friends know the healing touch of our all-loving, all-merciful God! [Police Chaplains Ministry: www.ChicagoPCM.org or 312/738-7588]
Wm. Halliday
June 12, 2023
God speed JJ
Kathy Dvorak
June 10, 2023
I pray for healing of your. R.I.P John. K. Dvorak
How you can show support
Notify Me
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Loni
June 10, 2023
My Sincere Condolences to the family.
I `am So Sorry for the loss of your love
One. May you find Comfort in your
Beautiful heart and treasured every
memory that holds a special place in
Your love ones heart, may God give
You the strength to endure this difficult
Time, and continue to bless your love ones.
Genesis 2:7; 3:19).
Susan Zamora
June 7, 2023
Sending condolences to Mr. Bittenbinder´s family. I knew him a long time ago, when I babysat his kids on Montana St. He was a nice man, that loved his kids. Also followed him as he taught people to be "Street Smart". Again sending condolences. Susan Zamora
jody brachman
June 6, 2023
Hi how are you I am good u I was writing to you to give my condolences to you and your family etc. Rip. I loved his job things. He seemed like a nice guy. I will miss him so. No rush take care bye
Karen (Ziaja) Deitesfeld
June 6, 2023
Long are the days gone by where we talk across the fence or shared a drink or two, solving the worlds problems...Those are Good Memories etched on our hearts. Thank you.
Sent with love and sincere sympathies,
Rex & Karen Deitesfeld, Longmont, Colorado
Got along little dogies until we meet again, happy trails.
Sgt. Jim Yester McHenry County College Police. (Ret. BGPD)
June 6, 2023
Sgt. Jim Yester McHenry County College Police. (Ret. BGPD)
June 6, 2023
Sgt. Jim Yester McHenry County College Police. (Ret. BGPD)
June 6, 2023
JJ was a great person and public servant. I had the pleasure of meeting him in the 1990's when he graciously agreed to speak at a Junior High class when I was a juvenile detective in Buffalo Grove. Thanks JJ for all the people you helped.
Michael Ohlinger
June 6, 2023
John would stop often at the Amoco gas station I worked at on Narragansett and Grand. Always a pleasure to see him. Thank you for your Service Sir. Rest In Peace
Tina Kukla
June 5, 2023
To this day I still vividly remember the safety talk JJ gave to our high school. His words stayed with me far more than any other assembly we had in those four years. So many Chicago and suburban school kids benefitted from his expertise. My condolences to his family and friends.
Tom Davy
June 5, 2023
Had the pleasure of dealing with Det. Bittenbinder during my time in Felony Review in the State's Attorneys Office. Just a decent, professional and honorable man and a great copper. My sympathy to his
family.
Debbie and Rick Cantore
June 5, 2023
John was the best! He was our neighbor when we lived in Galewood in the early 1980s. Our deepest condolences to the family.
Brian ONeill
June 5, 2023
His advice saved many innocents from going to the "secondary crime scene". RIP, JJ!
Joseph J Ziaja (Jay Zay)
June 5, 2023
I'm back.
As I take this all in. I've been very blessed to have JJ in my life.
Art Misiewicz, CRL, CIL, IAIL, Past President of the GCLA
June 5, 2023
It was an honor and a pleasure to meet and work with J.J. His knowledge, experience and logic gave me guidance and a plan of action in dealing with personal security and threatening circumstances. He was our guest speaker at our holiday banquet for the Greater Chicago Locksmith's Association years ago and his cowboy endeavors explain his beautiful mustache! I miss him.
Joe Ziaja (Jay Zay)
June 5, 2023
I've known JJ for many years as I was growing up in Harwood heights he was my neighbor. A wonderful person. So many fond memories I can't just pick one. Stand up man always willing to help out.
My condolences go's out to the family. R.I.P. My friend!
Corey
June 5, 2023
Learned of J.J. Bittenbinder from Red Letter Media.
Really appreciate his work in helping keep kids safe! He will be missed.
Jon Teich
June 5, 2023
One memory of Mr. Bittenbinder that I quote to people unfamiliar with his work: "In my career, I put many a perp against a wall. Not once did a Mensa card ever fall out." This has always elicited a response of both laughter and agreement.
William Neal
June 5, 2023
William Neal
June 5, 2023
William Neal
June 5, 2023
William Neal
June 5, 2023
JJ was truly one-of-a-kind. My partner at J Marc Group, Rick Paskin, and I worked closely with him for several years developing two national "Street Smarts" PBS specials, as well as a syndicated TV series called "Tough Target." And I co-wrote a book with JJ by the same name.
His very real impact on the personal safety of his audiences was perhaps best captured in a letter from a "Tough Target" viewer. Her letter began, "Dear Detective Bittenbinder, I want to thank you for saving my life."
The bad guys who passed on before JJ ("goofs" as he called them) are now, no doubt, on high alert.
Rest in peace, my friend.
Chris P
June 5, 2023
Thank you to Red Letter Media for introducing me and many of their fans to Mr Bittenbinder, a man who selflessly dedicated his life to keeping others safe from harm. Thank you for your service John and condolences to your family.
Lawrence K. Magnuson
June 4, 2023
My deepest sympathies to the Bittenbinder family. I recall watching your loved one on WTTW a few times as he gave tips on how to avoid being a crime victim. I have shared many of the tips I learned with my family and others and I will continue to do so in the future in his name.
Larry Thezan
June 4, 2023
I met J.J. in the 020 th District in 1973 ..I worked with him in the 020th and Area 6 (Area 3 now).
He was a Great Man, Loyal, and a Police Officer and Detective He new human nature even the bad guys liked him. There are a lot of great stores and memories. 2028 him Bobby and Ronnies(Rangers).
I am sorry that he has passed. I thought he would have lived a long time..
John Minas, Chicago Fire Department, Engine Co. 123
June 4, 2023
Rest in Peace! My dad was at 014. Met John many times when we lived Foster and Winchester by the "old 20"
Lewis Raye
June 4, 2023
John and I worked together on Beat 2028 for a couple of years in the early 70's. When I married in 1975, John drove out with me to Pennsylvania where he was an usher at the wedding. Always had fun working with him in the old Foster District. Unfortunately fell out of touch with him in the early 80's. Fond memories of him always.
Lewie Raye CPD 1972-2005
Frank Bielfeldt
June 4, 2023
John sat next to me throughout our training at the Police Academy on O'Brien St. Our paths crossed many times in our careers on the CPD.
A finer man you couldn't meet and want to know.
R.I.P. "JJ"
Denise Wynbrandt
June 4, 2023
This deeply saddens my heart. Thank you JJ Bittenbinder for your service and devotion to safety.
I was his makeup artist and hairstylist on Tough Target and he was a joy to work for as he was always in great spirits and everyone felt his great love for people.
You will be missed
Lauri A Neal
June 4, 2023
So very sorry for your loss. I had the privilege of working with JJ on the PBS series & TOUGH TARGET. Truly one of a kind
Lisa Marie Brodsky
June 4, 2023
John was my stepfather and in my life from 1981- approximately 2010. I have so many memories yet have no words. My condolences go out to his loving family who are feeling the larger than life absence of this larger than life man.
Margie wickman
June 4, 2023
So sorry! I've known him my whole life! Our dad's were best friends.
Sincerely
Margie (Koch) Wickman
Dave Sandlund
June 4, 2023
I had the distinct pleasure of knowing John from 020 and then Area 3 as detective´s. RIP J J and condolences to the family.
Bob Schwind
June 4, 2023
R.I.P. Brother.
Worked with John ("Crash") during the 70's in 020 and later as he was a Detective in Area 6 he was assigned to some of my felony arrest. He was a good man and always had your back no matter how far away he was. Will pray for you and your loved ones in these moments of grief. EOW
Brian Daley
June 4, 2023
I had the pleasure of meeting John in the 1990s when I invited him to bring his program to the Union League Club of Chicago.
His personae grabbed attention that he used to educate others about taking responsibility for their own safety. "No one is coming to rescue you so you have to be your own First Responder. That starts by making yourself a Tough Target."
He educated legions and, in doing so, saved countless lives.
Peace to all who knew and loved him.
~ ~ Fr. Dan Brandt, CPD Chaplain
June 4, 2023
Heartfelt and prayerful condolences from the Chicago Police Chaplains. JJ will be remembered at the next Police Mass.
In the meantime, may family and friends know the healing touch of our all-loving, all-merciful God! [Police Chaplains Ministry: www.ChicagoPCM.org or 312/738-7588]
The Staff of Ryan-Parke Funeral Home
June 3, 2023
Offering our deepest sympathies during this time.
Showing 1 - 43 of 43 results
Make a Donation
in John Bittenbinder's name
Memorial Events
for John Bittenbinder
Jun
6
Visitation
2:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Ryan-Parke Funeral Home - Park Ridge120 South Northwest Highway, Park Ridge, IL 60068
Jun
6
Memorial service
7:30 p.m.
Ryan-Parke Funeral Home - Park Ridge120 South Northwest Highway, Park Ridge, IL 60068
Funeral services provided by:
Ryan-Parke Funeral Home - Park Ridge120 South Northwest Highway, Park Ridge, IL 60068
How to support John's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor John Bittenbinder's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
Sponsored anonymously