Robert Fred Bitzer

1926 - 2025

Robert Fred Bitzer

Erving, MA - Robert F. "Bob" Bitzer, of 11 Lillian's Way, passed peacefully on Thursday, March 6, 2025 at the age of 98, at the Quabbin Valley Health Care Assisted Living Center, Athol, MA following a period of declining health.

A native son of Greenfield, MA, he was born on November 29, 1926 to his parents, John Louis Bitzer and the former Mary Rose Steiner, the youngest of four children. He resided with his parents and siblings, Mary Elizabeth, John Steiner Bitzer, and Edward William Bitzer on Meridian Street in Greenfield, later moving to High Street. Bob was educated in Greenfield Public Schools and was a graduate of GHS in the Class of 1945. During and after high school, he worked for the former C.H. DeMond Stationary Store, on Main Street in Greenfield until his enlistment in the USA in August of 1945. He served until January of 1946 and was honorably discharged with the rank of Pvt. Upon his return from military service, he accepted a position with the United States Post Office, and worked in Greenfield for 44 years for the postal service. At the time of his retirement, he was feted for having one of the longest careers in the USPS nationally and received numerous accolades and honors from postal and government officals for this achievement.

Bob was an elected representative of the Franklin County Technical School District Committee for the Town of Erving, serving in this capacity for more than 30 years. Additionally, he was a member of the Director's of the Aaron Clark Cemetery, in Turners Falls, MA for many years. Bob was a former member of the Franklin County Camera Club (avid photographer) as well as the Greenfield Lion's Club and enjoyed geneology, antiques and collectibles and the history of Greenfield. Lastly, Bob worshipped at the Second Congregational Church of Greenfield, since his youth growing up in Greenfield. He was also a life member of the Greenfield B.P.O.E. #1296 of Greenfield, MA.

Bob married his first wife, the former Jeannette Houston in August of 1948. They celebrated the arrival of their two children: Gary Rand Bitzer and Mary Louise Bitzer. Sadly, their marriage ended in divorce in 1954. Later, Bob married the former Gloria Bartley (of Montague Center) in July of 1966 and celebrated 33 years of marriage together prior to her passing in December of 1999. Sadly, Bob was predeceased by his children Gary and Mary Louise (Bitzer) Carpenter. He leaves his grandchildren: Elaine Wanderlick (who was his caregiver), Richard Carpenter, Kevin Carpenter (Samantha) and Carol LeDuc (Joseph) as well as several great grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews to remember him with affection. Additionally, he was predeceased by his parents, his three siblings, nephew Edward "Skip" Hammond, and many cousins

Services will be observed on Saturday, March 22, 2025 at 10:30AM at the Aaron Clark Cemetery, Montague, MA where Bob will be laid to rest with his late wife, the former Gloria Bartley. Full military honors will be observed, with members of the 54th Army National Guard in attendance assisted by the Northfield VFW Post #9874 to provide a firing detail. Officiating will be Mr. Jack Cooper, Funeral Celebrant. There are no visiting hours.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are requested to the Greenfield High School Music Department (in memory of Gary R. Bitzer) or to the Franklin County Technical School General Scholarship Fund, or lastly to the Second Congregational Church of Greenfield, MA.

The McCarthy Funeral Homes of Greenfield and Turners Falls, MA, have been entrusted with the arrangements. Please visit Bob's Tribute Wall which maybe found at www.mccarthyfuneralhomes.com to express a personal remembrance or to plant a tree in his memory.