J. Kenneth Bitner

J. Kenneth Bitner, 87, Muhlenberg Township, passed away peacefully on May 19, 2011, surrounded by his loving family in The Reading Hospital and Medical Center.

His wife of 55 years, Jeanne L. (Richardson) Bitner, passed away October 5, 2006. They were married October 14, 1950.

Born in Reading, he was a son of the late Morris G. and Flora S. (Balthaser) Bitner.

Kenny was a 1941 graduate of Muhlenberg High School and attended Drexel University for electrical engineering.

He began his carpentry career by working with his father building homes in Muhlenberg Township. He then worked for various employers, including Richard Rimby, Crestwood. He retired in 1986.

Kenny was a member of Grace (Alsace) United Church of Christ, Reading.

He was also a member of Goodwill Fire Company Beneficial Association.

Kenny was a U.S. Army veteran, serving in WWII during 1943 to 1946. He was a Staff Sergeant with the 13th Army Air Force Emergency Rescue Boat Squadron.

He was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He enjoyed spending time with his family, eating out and taking trips to the Jersey shore. He was hard working and well liked. He will be dearly missed.

Kenny is survived by three daughters: Linda J., wife of Michael Firestone, Muhlenberg Township; Cindy L., wife of Francis O'Neill, Spring Township; and Gayle A., wife of Mark Jacoby, Cumru Township.

There also are six grandchildren: Kristy, Michael, Sara, Kevin, Eric and Jason.

Services will be Wednesday, May 25, 2011 at 10 a.m. in Walter R. Christ Funeral Home Inc., Laureldale. Burial will be in Laureldale Cemetery, Muhlenberg Township. Friends may call from 9 to 10 a.m. in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to American Cancer Society, 498 Bellevue Ave., Reading, PA 19605 or American Lung Association, American Lung Association, 1301 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Suite 800, Washington, DC 20004. Online condolences may be recorded at www.christfuneralhome.com.