Obituaries
Harry Rowland Nickols “Nick” Bitzer, 74
April 30, 2020
“Nick” Bitzer, 74, of Manheim passed away on April 30, 2020 at LGH due to Covid 19 virus.
Born in Lancaster, he was the son of Rowland P. and Meda E. (Barclay) Bitzer. He was the devoted and loving husband of Betty Lou (Herr) Bitzer. They shared 41 years of marriage.
Nick graduated from Hempfield High School, Class of 1965. He served in the United States Air Force, Sargent in SAC division from 1965 to 1969 and had the opportunity to guard Air Force One during President Johnson’s term.
He worked at Hamilton Watch Company 28 years as a Quality Control Inspector. He also worked at Woodcrest Villa 14 years, before retiring in 2007, as a Night Watchman. He was the first Watchman hired as residents moved into the community.
He had a love for music, movies and had a vast collection of the top grossing movies of all times. He was known as “the Movie Man” in Brookshire and he would show movies on a monthly basis in the community center. He loved to shoot pool, Philly sports teams especially the Phillies and Eagles, a weather buff, loved Worcestershire sauce on almost everything and loved spending time with his family. He was a member of St. Luke’s UCC in Lititz.
Nick will be greatly missed by his wife and two sons, Bryan of East Petersburg and Scott of Dallastown, and several nieces and nephews. Preceding Nick in death are his parents, sister Gloria L. Bomberger, and nephew “Kenny” Matt Bomberger.
The family would like to thank the EMT’s, staff of the ICU at LGH for the care they gave him. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2020 on the South Lawn of the Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA. Guests will be received beginning at 10AM with the service following at 11AM. The family requests that everyone dress casual by sporting your best Philadlephia Phillies or Eagles attire. Due to COVID restrictions please wear your mask and be mindful of social distancing. Interment will be private and take place at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery in Annville. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be set to: American Heart Association Lancaster Division, 4250 Crums Mill Rd., Suite 100, Harrisburg PA 17112.
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Condolences to the Family
September 23, 2020
Hi Betty Lou; I’m not sure if you remember me, we worked together at Lancashire Hall in the 1990’s. I am so sorry to hear of Nick’s passing; my deepest condolences are with you and your children. May God Bless you and your family. Warmest Regards, Joyce.
May 12, 2020
Betty Lou, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. You are in my prayer and thoughts, please take care.
Becky Schmook Weber
May 09, 2020
Our deepest heart- felt sympathy; Betty Lou & Family. Nick will be very missed. We enjoyed talking with him; mostly at movie night, where he shared his time and love for movies; giving us enjoyment, in showing all types of movies, with residents, here at Brookshire. Also can’t forget, that you,Betty Lou, gave up dinner time just to make popcorn for our enjoyment. You both are very special. Nick enjoyed talking about all types of topics, when Ken or I happen to come to the doggie station with our dog, and he would be there with Heidi. May Family, Friends, and God give you comfort and peace.
Deborah & Kenneth Minnerly
May 06, 2020
“Though you cannot always see the Bird singing, if you listen with your heart, you can always here his song. Though the ones we love may leave life as we know it, the love we knew will always carry on.”
Sincere Sympathy and Continued Pray for you and your family.
Anna Foster
May 05, 2020
Mrs Bitzer and family, I just want to extend my condolences to you. I grew up in E. Pete and went to school with Nick, also graduating in ’65. I thought of him now and then over the years but had never run into him since we graduated. I even worked at the ” Watch” for a year or more before enlisting. I can never get over how we can spend our lives in the same area and not run into each other at some time or other. I do remember the days when…..
Bob Leonard
May 04, 2020
My family moved onto Nick’s street when I was 8 yrs old. He became a focus of my summertime activities. He organized neighborhood softball teams, kept batting averages, and his family pool was always a focus of our activities. As I entered teenage years (14-15), we drifted apart; but I’ll always have very fond memories of those years we had together in our youth. Nick was one of the good guys.
Don Myers
May 03, 2020
Betty Lou, and family. Our love and support for you at this difficult time. May God be with you and give you comfort.
Nick was a good man and I enjoyed the times we were together. He was my hero when I locked my keys in the car at WCV on a frigid evening and he managed to get in my car door open. We will both miss him
Milly and George Rollin
May 02, 2020
Betty lou I send you All my Love.
delores Gonzalez
May 02, 2020
Betty Lou – so sorry to hear of your loss. I worked with Nick at Woodcrest Villa in the early 1990s when I was the night receptionist there. Nick was a kind man who was so easy to work with. My prayers are with you.
Janis Frankhouser
May 02, 2020
Betty Lou, Please accept my sympathy. I’m so glad we got to see each other at Charlie Westheaffer’s service and share some happy memories. Take care. Sandi Hodecker Horn
May 02, 2020
Betty Lou, so sorry to hear about Nick. I remember both of you from Hamilton Watch. You have my thoughts and prayers. Tanke care. Sincerely Linda Brubaker
May 02, 2020
Betty Lou, My heart is breaking for you, Bryan and Scott. I am keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. May God bless all of you. Love, Michele
May 02, 2020
Dear Betty Lou, I send my deepest sympathy to you and your family! Carl and I were so glad we had an opportunity to spend time together on the bus trip several years ago. We also appreciated your lovely anniversary card and note. I lost Carl on Jan. 9 after a year and a half journey with cancer. I continue to hold you in my thoughts and prayers. Vonnie Beck
May 02, 2020
Oh Betty Lou. I’m so very sorry for your loss and my heartfelt sympathies go out to you and the boys. I have many fond memories of growing up next door to Nick and his family. Take care
Karen Frey
