Donald M. Bittner

To honor the life of Donald M. Bittner, family and friends are invited to gather for a casual open house to share memories, refreshments and each other’s company from 3-7 PM on Friday, July 20, 2018 at The Kennedy House, 38039 West Spaulding Street, Willoughby, located across the street from Davis-Babcock Funeral Home.

Don was born April 7, 1931 in Painesville and passed away Thursday, July 12, 2018 in Mentor, where he lived for over 60 years.

He graduated as an apprentice auto mechanic from the Cleveland Trade School in 1950 and honorably served in Korea (1951-1953) for the United States Army as an aircraft mechanic.

Don’s career revolved around his love for automobiles. He was a mechanic for Barton Brothers Garage in Painesville, general manager at McClintock Chevrolet in Chardon and was one of the first instructors (in 1966) at the Lake County Joint Vocational School, now known as Auburn Career Center. He owned his own business restoring historical vintage race cars for several years, then took a position with the City of Mentor as an Equipment Maintenance Supervisor, retiring in 1993.

Post retirement, he and his wife traveled over 160,000 miles, through 42 states with their camper. He had a lifelong passion for trains and was a proud member of the National Model Railroad Association - Division 5, where he earned several awards for his modeling craftsmanship and volunteer activities.

Don is survived by his wife of 64 years, Nancy (Steinbrick); daughters, Teri Bittner and Sally (Bob) Rynazewski and granddaughters, Sara and Rachel Rynazewski.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Rosetta (Babcock) Bittner and brother, Bob.

Private family interment will be at Evergreen Cemetery in Painesville.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully encourages contributions to Bella Care Hospice, 1933 State Route 45, Austinburg, Ohio 44010 or the Painesville Railroad museum, 475 Railroad St., Painesville, OH 44077 or online at painesvillerailroadmuseum.org.