CT US NAVY

Joseph Anthony Bitonti, 82, of Wilkes Barre passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family.

Born in the Newtown section of Hanover Township, Joe was the son of the late Antonio and Anna (Hrycenko) Bitonti. Joe was a graduate of Hanover Area High School, Hanover Township, class of 1950. After graduation he entered the Armed Forces where he served as a Communication Technician in The United States Navy.
Following his military service he was employed by Pratt & Whitney, Hartford, Connecticut. Returning home Joe served as a Wilkes Barre City Police Officer for 21 years. After retiring from the police force he was employed by United Penn Bank Parkade for 14 years.

Joe was a life-long member of Holy Rosary Italian Parish, Wilkes Barre until the church closing and then The Parish of St. Benedict, Wilkes Barre. He was a former member of The Fraternal Order of Police and The V.F.W. in Ashley.

Joe was an avid horse racing and football fan, The Nittany Lions and The Detroit Lions were his favorites. In his spare time he enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles and trips to the casino. An animal lover all his life, Joe had a fondness for dogs. He was a loving son, husband, father, brother, grandfather and father in law.

Joe is survived by his loving and devoted wife of over 53 years, the former Irene Elizabeth Benish. He will be sadly missed by his four children, Ann (James) Andes, Wilkes Barre, Brenda (Mark) Bitonti-Bailey, Wilkes Barre, Anthony (Ellen) Bitonti, Woodbridge, VA and Louis Bitonti, Plains. His adoring grandchildren, Mia Bella Bailey, Louis Bitonti and Ethan Bitonti. His brother, Anthony Bitonti and wife Maryanne, Endicott, NY. His sisters, Irene (Vera) Dobranski and husband Steven, Lansdale, PA and Nancy Bitonti, Kingston, PA. Several nieces and nephews, grand- nieces and grand-nephews, sister in law and brothers in law.

The funeral will be held Tuesday, November 3, 3015, at 9:30 A.M. from the Lehman Family Funeral Service, Inc., 689 Hazle Avenue, Wilkes-Barre, with a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 10:00 a.m. in The Parish of St. Benedict, 155 Austin Ave, Wilkes-Barre.

Interment will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Hanover Township.