Gary F. Bitner

Gary was born in Havre de Grace, Maryland, to the late Leo Bitner Sr. and Grace Marie (Jackson) Bitner on New Year’s Day, 1951.

In his early career, Gary worked as an HVAC technician in Maryland and later in Florida for many years, where he built a reputation for his skill, reliability, and strong work ethic. In 1984, while serving as a Payload Processing Technician for Boeing Aerospace at the Kennedy Space Center, he met the love of his life, Debbie, a meeting that would shape the rest of his life. He took great pride in his work at KSC, becoming an integral part of Spacelab payload processing for NASA’s Space Shuttle Program, and contributing to the nation’s reach into the stars. He later served as a Chiller Plant Operator for Space Gateway Support at the Space Center before retiring in 2015.

Gary was a devoted husband and father whose greatest joy was his family. He loved being surrounded by friends and loved ones, creating memories filled with laughter and love. With a steady, reassuring presence, he made people feel safe, cared for, and valued. Known for his kindness to everyone, even strangers, he lived with a generous heart and was always ready to lend a helping hand. He could fix just about anything, and if something was broken, Gary was the one you called. He loved playing pranks and keeping those around him smiling, bringing lightness wherever he went. A hardworking and humble man, he never sought recognition for the good he did, but will be remembered for his loyalty, humor, unwavering work ethic, and the way he made people feel deeply loved.

Beyond his family life, Gary’s greatest passion was his beloved 1986 Corvette. He took immense satisfaction in maintaining and fine-tuning it, spending countless hours in the garage perfecting every detail. As a dedicated member of the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA), he raced cars regularly, thriving on the challenge, precision, and camaraderie the sport provided. He was a familiar presence at iconic tracks like Sebring and Daytona, and he especially loved the opportunity to push his car to its limits. Gary also generously shared his knowledge as a driving instructor at SCCA events and at Florida International Rally & Motorsports Park (FIRM), mentoring others with patience and enthusiasm.

Gary’s love of racing extended naturally to his daughters. He loved introducing them to the sport, first through go-karts and later as they competed in SCCA autocross with their Miata. With steady guidance and quiet encouragement, he taught them not only how to drive, but how to respect the craft, trust their instincts, and find joy behind the wheel.

He is survived by his loving wife: Debbie (Deming) Bitner, with whom he shared 37 wonderful years of marriage; his beautiful daughters; Kelsey of New York City and Kayla of Chicago; his siblings Debbie (Jim) Barton, Donna Evans, Mike (Marie) Bitner, Leo (CJ) Bitner, Dennis (Renee) Bitner, Beth Bitner, and Pat Knight; sister-in-law Bobbi Bitner, 15 nieces and nephews and 14 great-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother, Wayne of Rising Sun, MD, and his brother-in-law, Jim Evans of Louisville, KY.

A Celebration of Life will be held to honor Gary’s memory at the Life Event Center at Florida Memorial, 5950 South US Highway 1, Rockledge, Florida on Thursday, February 26, 2026, from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM