Paul R. Bitters

1953 - 2017

GREENFIELD - Paul R. Bitters, 64, passed away peacefully on 10/4/17 at home surrounded by his beloved family. Paul was born October third, 1953 in Longmeadow MA, to Helen (Carey) and Robert Bitters. He was a graduate of Longmeadow High School's class of 1972, a member of its state champion lacrosse team, and of its football team. Paul continued his education at Western New England College graduating in 1976 with a Business and Marketing degree.
He worked at Greenfield Tap & Die, Erving Paper Mills, and Mohawk Plastics. In 1988 he started his own business, ""The Bag Company"", and managed that for 20 years. He worked at Southworth Paper Company starting in 2013. Through his business, ""Tags, Bags & Containers"", he sold products to cities and towns.
Active in the communities where he lived, Paul had served on the Board of Assessors in Erving, Greenfield Town Council, Greenfield School Committee, and as a Four Corners School Representative. He assisted with fundraising to buy computers for Four Corners School. He helped coach his children in local Recreation Department athletics.
His greatest accomplishments were his three children, Derick, Caroline, and Kate; raising them to look beyond themselves, give back to their community, be kind and helpful. Family was truly the heart of his world.
Paul was always there for so many people; to lend a hand in anything anyone needed. His quick wit and sense of humor were enjoyed by all. Friends and family knew that they could come to him for advice and encouragement, as he had such creative ways to solve problems. He was a selfless person, always willing to help, never afraid of a hard day's work.
He enjoyed projects around the home-both in Greenfield and Wells, ME-with his yankee ingenuity. He liked to think outside the box and always knew how to use what he had.
Paul wanted to thank his family and friends for all the love and support throughout the years, especially during these last ten months as he battled Acute Myeloid Leukemia. He also wanted to thank his Dana Farber team, as well as the incredible staff of nurses, patient care technicians, and doctors in the Oncology unit at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield.
Paul leaves behind his wife of thirty years, the former Joan Drew; his son Derick Bitters Lamoureux and wife Renee and their three children of South Hadley; his daughter Caroline (Bitters) Page and her husband Jeff and their daughter of Bernardston; as well as his youngest daughter Kate Bitters of Boston.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday 10/10 at 12 noon at the Kostanski Funeral Home, 220 Federal Street, Greenfield with the Rev. David Neil officiating. Burial will follow at Green River Cemetery in Greenfield.
Calling hours will be held Monday from 4-7 pm at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, PO Box 4072, Pittsfield, MA 01202.
Sympathy message available at www.kostanskifuneralhome.com.