Cosmo Damien Bitetti

1924 - 2017

NEW HOPE - Cosmo Damien Bitetti died on September 24, 2017 in New Hope, PA. For 93 years he embraced life with gusto and with deep appreciation for the joys and pleasure of life. His humor, quick intelligence, curiosity and charisma will leave a lasting impression on those who knew him. "Cos" is loved, mourned and celebrated by his six daughters and their families, including 16 grandchildren, and many friends. Cosmo was born in Altamura, Italy in 1924 and grew up in Canton, MA with his parents Maria and Nunzio, his sisters Anne and Rose, and his brother Sam. At age 18 Cosmo joined the U.S. Army, and was stationed in North Africa and Italy during WWII. When the War ended he attended the College of the Holy Cross on the GI Bill, graduating in 1950 with a B.S. in Physics. Across the years he sustained a deep gratitude and respect for Holy Cross and for Jesuit education. In 1952 he and Joan Dallahan, also of Canton, married and soon moved to Long Island, NY where he co-founded an electronics firm. Cos brought his sharp mind and creative intelligence to his work. He was proud of his business success, proud of his humble origins, and full of compassion and appreciation for people with fewer resources and advantages in life. Those feelings informed his outspoken and heartfelt allegiance to the Democratic Party. After retiring, Cos and Joan moved from Huntington, NY to Governor's Land in Williamsburg, VA. Joan died in 2008 and a few years later Cosmo moved to TidePointe on Hilton Head Island, SC. Cos was primarily proud of, and took great delight in, his family: his wife Joan and his six daughters (Rosemary Bitetti Orr of Hilton Head, SC; Janice Bitetti of Arlington, VA; Carolyn Bitetti of Belmont, MA; Marie Bitetti of New York, NY; Ann Bitetti of Wellesley, MA; and Teresa Bitetti of New Hope, PA). He delighted in visits to their homes where he savored the company of his daughters, their partners, and his grandchildren. He loved fixing things around their houses and enriched their lives with his easy going and companionable disposition. Cosmo loved life and found pleasure in food, travel, gardening, contract bridge, the beauty of nature (especially the beach), philosophical thought, books and current events. Cosmo was a vivid and lively presence at social gatherings, direct and charming, provocative and teasing, warm and engaging. He lived with integrity and was well-guided by his faith, his character, and solid values. He has inspired us and will be sorely missed. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made by sending a check to the College of the Holy Cross, One College Street, Worcester, MA 01610-2395 or online at www.holycross.edu/give. Please indicate that your gift is being made in memory of Cosmo Bitetti, Class of 1950. Any correspondence related to Cosmo can be mailed to: The Bitetti Sisters, 35 Beverly Road, Wellesley, MA 02481. A funeral mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday September 30, at St. Martin of Tours Church, One Riverstone Circle, New Hope, PA. Life Celebration services provided by Leaver/Cable of Buckingham To share your fondest memories of Cos, please visit www.lifecelebration.com