My deepest condolences to the Bitner family. I had Mr. Bitner for American History and will always remember him as tough and fair. It was a great privilege and honor to have been one of his students, and I hope you find some small measure of comfort knowing how many lives he changed for the better.

Dear Mrs. Bitner: i will never forget our trip to Washington DC when I was at WMSVL South before going to North as the first class to graduate from that school. You and Mr. B and Mr. Indian gave us an awsome trip (remember the ice cream cone shop where he teased me about getting the vanilla cone?) and I will always remember him as one of the best teacher's I had in high school.

Fond memories of Mr. Bitner at his cottage with my Dad and Uncles.
I know He will be missed.
Our condolences to his family.
Frank & Teresa Fusani

I was very fortunate to meet Paul while working at a local home improvement store over 20 yrs ago. His rough exterior didn't deter me from getting to know him and find that he was not only a very smart businessman but also very kind. It became a routine to see him almost daily and have our usual banter and battle of words. He is and always be a great man. May the kind words of friends and family support you through this very trying time. God bless!

To the Bitner family, my deepest sympathies are with you at this difficult time. I had Mr. Bitner as my 12th grade Economics teacher. You'd always hear rumors about the tough teachers. I always found I enjoyed their classes most and 12th grade Economics was no exception. Mr. Bitner was able to take a difficult subject matter (at least for me) and help me to understand it. I have several fond memories of one of my favorite teachers. Thank you for being a wonderful, caring person and an unforgettable educator.

I have very fond memories of a year spent in Mr. Bitner's American history class at Williamsville South. He was perhaps my toughest teacher but if I could say who I learned the most from it would be him. I have the greatest appreciation for our countries past. It is because of him that I still love investigating our nations' formation. My prayers and thoughts are with you all.

Marlene and Family,

Our sympathy and condolences are with you and your family.

Mr. Bitners 12th grade Economics class was not a class you would ever dare skip.  Not because he wouldn't let you, but because you truly didn't want to miss it.  I often found myself wondering “What is this man going to say next?  I don't know, but I had better write it down.”  So many high school educators  take the time to prepare you for college but Mr. Bitner took the time and prepared you for life.  His mantra "Don't be sorry, be right" is something I have said more times in my life than I can recall and I make an attempt to live it, every day.  That is the mark of a good educator -- 12 years after you leave his classroom, he is still teaching you and affecting the way you lead your life.  I can honestly count on one hand how many teachers truly made me a better person, in both my thoughts and my actions -- Paul Bitner was one of them.  Some men leave behind tokens and mementos.  Mr. Bitner left behind a legacy and there are thousands of us to prove it.

Mr. Bitner's ideas will continue to shine through the students that he inspired. He always challenged his students at Williamsville South to meet their potential.  He will be missed.

A truly memorable man. He will be missed by many.

Dear Marlene and family am sorry for you loss,  I am out of town and can't be with you at this time,  But know my thoughts and prayers are with the family.  I have so many fond memories of Paul.
love, Audrey Ceglinski

RIP Mr. Bitner, thank you for being such a great teacher and mentor to so many students. You truly made a difference in this world and you will be greatly missed!

Fond memories of Mr. Bitner at his cottage with my Dad and uncles.
I know He will be missed.
Our condolences to his family.
Frank & Teresa Fusani

Paul Bitner was my friend and colleague. He told me the truth always and always stood by me.  He knew that I loved Rebecca and enjoyed being with her every day. He helped guide so many studens and teachers even in our national student government conference.
 Blessings on his loved ones-

I am sorry to hear of Paul's death. I will always connect him to his huge trucks that he loved to drive. He was always involved with family and projects on his house. He will be missed.

I was struggling to graduate my Sr. year (1979) and without Mr. Bitners guidence, influence and tutoring, chances are good I would not have made it through.  I haven't seen him since, but he was a great man, a great teacher and my condolences to his family.

What a great, great man! I am so thankful for all the very many years I was able to spend time with, learn much and be positively influeced by such a solid man as Mr. Bitner. He will be missed deeply but never forgotten!

I was lucky to have been one of Mr. Bitner's students at Williamsville South.  He challenged me and made me think in a way no other teacher ever did, and I still benefit from having known him.  My sincere condolences to his family.

Marianne Luther- Class of 1994

While we had many outstanding teachers at WSHS I always found Mr. Bittner among the most excited about his teaching.   He truly cared about his students and made it his mission to convey concepts in real world terms that were easy to grasp.   He will be missed. 

I am very sorry for your loss. 

Joe Pegnia (Atlanta, GA)
WSHS Class of 1988

My sincere condolences to the family of Mr. Bitner.  He was one of my teachers at Williamsville. He made history exciting, esp. current events.  I think I am a news junkie today because of him. I can still remember things said in his class.  That was a long time ago. What a sad day! Sincerely,  Kris, Class of 67.

My thoughts and prayers to Marlene and family. Mr. Bitner taught me as much as any man other than my Father-- and I never attended any of his classes at Williamsville South. Instead he was boss, mentor, life coach, and great friend. My life is better for having known him and is lessened by his passing. May he rest in peace.

Mr. Bitner was the only teacher I ever regarded as truly preparing me for college. The education he gave me lasted far longer than the time spent in his classroom. Thank you for helping me survive UB Mr. Bitner. You'll always be my favorite. Alicia Van Sickle WSHS 1999

To the Bitner family, please accept my condolences.  I was a teaching colleague of Paul's who greatly enjoyed and benefited from his knowledge, skill and friendship.  I spent many hours in his classroom watching him teach and regaling his students with stories from the past.  Paul was an original who will be greatly missed.

Steve Bovino

My sincere condolences to the Bitner family.  Mr. Bitner was my 11th grade teacher at Williamsville South and always available to help.  When I was a Senior, I had a very difficult paper to write for my AP History class and Mr. Bitner was right there with advice, research material, and support.  His acts of kindness, respect, and encouargement will live on in his students and all that surrounded him.  God Bless, Mr. Bitner.

Such a sad day..Mr. Bitner was definately the best teacher I have ever had.  He was caring, thoughtful, a man of integrety, leader and mostly he inspired me and thousands of students to be better people.  I too received one of his notes my senior year and still look at it to this day.  He made learning exciting and fun.  RIP Mr. Bitner!  You will be missed by all

You were an amazing Teacher and Person and will be missed. Rest in peace.

Mr. Bitner was the teacher who had the biggest influence on my life and world view.  His "INSIGHT" was the one and only steady beacon of conservative thought in a profession dominated by liberal bias.  My high school education wouldn't have been complete without MR. Bitner.  My condolences to his family and loved ones.

Mike, my sincere condolences to u and your family, so sorry to hear  about your dad, may your memories hold him dear to your heart. love always Sandy Santana xoxoxo

I was so saddened to hear of the passing of Mr. Bitner. He was an iconic stature at williamsville south. I had the honor of being a second generation student of his, as he had also taught and mentored my mother. The impact that he has had on so many lives, is immeasurable! My deepest sympathy goes to his family. The world has lost a great man, who has touched so many lives. May he rest in peace.

Mr. Bitner was a teacher I will never forget.  He was outstanding.

To The Bitner Family,
 My Condolences on Mr Bitner's passing. I'm a former student of his from Williamsville South. I have so many great memories of him. He was a great teacher. Thank you for sharing him with us.

Mr. Bitner was the best teacher I ever had and the only class that I looked forward to going to. He taught me a lot and made me want to learn and grow and for that I am thankful. Thank you Mr. bitner and I am sorry for the loss to the Bitner family and all the students that will never get to experience the best teacher.

Mr. Bitner was a great teacher. A couple of years ago I ran into him at the store, he remembered me and of course asked how my brother Mike was. Its amazing all the students he has had over the many wonderful years of teaching and knows you by your name. My thoughts prayers are with his family.

Mr Bitner was an extraordinary man, and a fantastic teacher.  I had him 14 years ago in High School.  He made a huge impact on me.  The man had to endure things most people couldn't imagine, like the passing of his daughter, another teacher at WSHS, who I also had.  I hope that the Bitner family can finally find some peace.  God rest his soul, my thoughts and sincerest prayers go out to his family.  Mr. Bitner, you will be greatly missed by many......(Brad in Clarence)

I had the pleasure of having both Mr Bitner and his late daughter and both were amazing and wonderful teachers.  I remember having talks with Mr Bitner about my decision to join the Navy after high school.  Every time i came home on leave i made it a point to see him.  My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this time.

Dominic Frontera III 
Williamsville South 1999

My sincere condolences to the Bitner family.

I did  not know Paul very well, yet I appreciated his great knowledge and rather sardonic sense of humor.  All my students who had him as a teacher admired and respected him.  My condolences to his family and friends.  Jayne Matthews, Tega Cay, South Carolina

I had the honor of having Mr. Bitner as a teacher. He was by far the best teacher I have ever had. He was kind and respectful of his students, and he had a special way of getting us to work beyond our potential. I am grateful for the dedication an caring he showed toward me and other students. Thank You Mr. Bitner may you rest in peace.

Excellent teacher that shared not just economics, but important life lessons. Rest in Peace Mr. Bitner -you will be missed. 
  Paul Galletti Willimsville South 1991

I wish to express my sincere condolences to the Bitner family.  I am a former student of Mr. Bitner's and he left a lasting impression on me.  My fondest memory of him was having the courage to tell him he reminded me of Daddy Warbucks from Annie and gruffly he asked "why because of the bald head" and I replied "no because initially you are intimidating and scary but to know you, you are kind and compassionate (especially when it came to teaching)"  With that he softened and smiled with a wink and said thank you!  Thank you for leaving your mark with so many students!  You will be missed!

I still remember fondly Mr. Bitner, some 20 years later, and am grateful that he pushed me (and all his students) to think for ourselves.  My condolences to the Bitner family.

May you rest in peace Mr. Bitner. Thank you for being such an amazing educator...you believed in me when I needed it most. I have thought of you often throughout the years. Many warm thoughts and prayers to your family... Angela Class of '93 Williamsville South High School

Mr Bitner was my favorite teacher.  He was challenging, funny and caring. I always looked forward to his class and the only class that I ever bothered to study for.  At the end of my senior year, he handed me a page from his desk calender that spoke about leadership. I knew he was trying to make a point and that small act has had more of a positive impact on me than he could imagine.  Mr Bitner and his family are in my thoughts and prayers.  God Bless.

Mr. Bitner was my favorite teacher at south high school. He left a lasting impression on my life. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.

Mr. Bitner changed my life as only the best teachers can.  His influence was wide and deep.  May his soul now rest in peace for he was a good and faithful servant!!!  Chris Duquin, Williamsville South '94

Not many people have had such an impact on my life.  In high school, he actually had higher standards for me than I had for myself.  By challenging me to do better, think smarter, I will be forever grateful.  Rest in peace, Mr. Bitner!

Mr Bitner an excellent teacher. Anyone who had him benefited from him. As a former student of his, I am on of the lucky ones to of known him. My sympathy to his family. Thoughts and prayers with all in your time of sorrow.

God bless, Mr. Bitner.  I was a project, I know, but we got through it together.  I bid you peace and offer my condolences to your family.

You are in my thoughts and prayers.  He was a wonderful teacher and will be missed by all.

I worked with Paul for 27 years. He was an excellent teacher

I worked with Paul for 27 years. He was an excellent teacher, a wonderful colleague and a very caring person. His passing leaves one less wonderful person on earth.

Mr. Bitner was a great man and an amazing teacher. My condolences to all of his family, friends, and former students. He will definitely be missed and remembered by everyone lucky enough to have known him.

As a former student of Mr. Bitner's at Williamsville South, I wanted to express my sincere sorrow for his passing. He was an incredible teacher, and I'm sure an even better man outside the classroom. HE was real, up front, and gave me some incredible, encouraging words and lessons before I moved forward and in to College and more importantly my adult life.

I will NEVER forget as I was walking out of class one day, he stood by the door and passed me a note. It was one fo those "from the desk of Paul Bitner" type notes, almost stationary. I still have it to this day. It spoke of my potential, how great I could be, and what he envisioned. What an INCREDIBLE message for a senior in high school going in to world of ups and downs.

I'm so sorry for his passing, and I hope those friends and family members realize how much he meant to so many of us.

Brett Weinberg, WSHS class of 1993

My condolences to the Bitner family. Former students of his are sharing stories all over Facebook, which you may or may not be able to view. I had the utmost respect for Mr. Bitner not just for his intelligence and unique humor, but because he showed great respect to me and my classmates. He taught us how to be better people.  I really liked him and his style. He will be greatly missed.

I also was privileged enough to be a student of Mr. Bitners.  Until I was old enough to take one of his classes I was told to be afraid of him.  Not being the best student I thought I was in for a heck of a year with him.  It was just the opposite, and he probably saved my high school career.  He made teaching interesting and unique.  I am thankful for knowing him.  My condolences go out to his family and friends.

Mr. Bitner was hands down one of the best teachers I had at WSHS.  He was challenging, encouraging, inspiring and tough. He had a tremendous impact on my life and I won't soon forget him.  My condolences to the Bitner family.

My thoughts and prayers are with the Bitner family. Mr. Bitner was one of the most memorable and influential teachers I have ever had. Truely a great loss.

I had the privilege of teaching with Paul for several years before he retired. He left a true legacy at South, and impacted me greatly as a teacher. As I have missed Rebecca all of these years, I will now miss Paul as well. My thoughts and prayers are with the family of this great man.
Carol Jackson
Williamsville South High School

My condolences to the Bitner family.  Mr. Bitner was one of the most incredible teachers I ever had.  He will be greatly missed.

I am a former student of Mr. Bitner's.  In the August edition of the newsletter where I work, some of us were asked to share a story about our most memorable teacher.  Here is what I wrote about Mr. Bitner: 
My most memorable teacher was my 11th-grade US history teacher, Mr. Bitner. His unique teaching style and unconventional methods made his class extremely entertaining. In addition to the fun his class provided, he also taught about the importance of having good character. At the time, I didn't realize he was even doing this. Looking back years later, I realize his subtle lessons of honesty, integrity, courage, and strength helped shape the person I am today. I feel very fortunate to have been his student.
—Lower Grades Editor Kelly Robertson

My heart goes out to the Bitner family at this time of loss. Paul was a great man, friend and mentor!  He will be missed by so many that loved him!!!

To Marlene and family: My condolences on your painful loss. Paul's principled life inspired me; knowing his young family was a joy. (He used to rail against "Kiss," one of his daughter's favorite groups! "No daughter of mine...!") He was my "master teacher" in so many ways. As his student teacher (1973-74) and colleague (1974-1976) at Wmsvl South, he confirmed my talents and encouraged me to be the best in everything I did. His dedication to family was nothing short of heroic. I admired "Mr. Bitner" as a lover of history, a passionate hunter, a wonderful father, and a great mentor and friend. He will ever remain in my thoughts and prayers.

sincere condolences to the Bitner Family.You are in my prayers.Alice Kirk,Atlanta Ga

To the Bitner Family,please accept my condolences in the loss of Mr.Bitner,I was a tenant of him and Marlenes and they were very nice people to me and my family.our prayers are with your family.alice kirk

I am a former student of Mr. Bitner at WSHS.  I was saddened to hear of his passing.  For my work newsletter, we recently had to write a piece about our most memorable teacher.  Here is what I wrote about Mr. Bitner:   
"My most memorable teacher was my 11th-grade US history teacher, Mr. Bitner. His unique teaching style and unconventional methods made his class extremely entertaining. In addition to the fun his class provided, he also taught about the importance of having good character. At the time, I didn't realize he was even doing this. Looking back years later, I realize his subtle lessons of honesty, integrity, courage, and strength helped shape the person I am today. I feel very fortunate to have been his student."
—Lower Grades Editor Kelly Robertson

We have lost a wonderful friend. He will be missed.

May the God of tender mercie's bring comfort and peace (2 corinth.1:2)

Beth, Aaron and family,  My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.  I'll always remember my visits and hugs from your Dad.  He was a kind and generous gentleman who loved his family.   I am so sorry for your loss.

Kathy Conway
Arlington, VA

OBITUARY

Paul Bitner Jr.

May 24, 1939 – November 8, 2011

Perna, Dengler, Roberts Funeral Home

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