Bittel

Wray Davidson Bittel, 88, formerly of Cranberry Township, passed away on Wednesday, June 22, 2022.

Born Feb. 17, 1934, in Pittsburgh, he was the son of the late Henrietta Klotzbuecher Bittel and James Davidson Bittel Sr.

Wray was a faithful member of St. Ferdinand Catholic Church, Cranberry Township. He was devoted to his family and friends but also quick to lend a hand to anyone in need. Wray also served his country in the Army and Army National Guard.

Wray worked as a mechanic for over 60 years, with the last 25 years of his career spent at W.D. Kerr & Sons in Cranberry Township. He loved figuring out mechanical conundrums and resurrected many a car, truck, tractor and lawn mower in his garage. When not performing mechanical miracles, he could be found tinkering at his cabin in the Allegheny National Forest that he built in 1955. Wray enjoyed fishing, hunting and, of course, cutting firewood. He especially looked forward to his annual fishing expedition to Agnew Lake in northern Ontario.

Wray was known for his willingness to help, simple yet practical pieces of advice, and quirky sense of humor. He will be dearly missed and fondly remembered.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory his wife of 62 years, Geraldine M. (Schnellbach) Bittel, whom he married on Nov. 21, 1959; his children, James F. Bittel and wife, Sheryl, Suzanne B. Platt and husband, Robert, Kenneth W. Bittel and wife, Beth, and Keith B. Bittel and wife, Shari; his brother, James D. Bittel Jr., and wife, Nancy; his sister-in-law, Barbara A. Haller, and husband, James; along with many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Wray was preceded in death by his grandson, Nathan D. Bittel.

BITTEL — Family and friends of Wray Davidson Bittel, who died Wednesday, June 22, 2022, will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the BOYLAN-GLENN-KILDOO FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SVCS., 130 Wisconsin Ave./P.O. Box 2155, Cranberry Township.

Masks will be required, and social distancing observed during the visitation times.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at St. Ferdinand Catholic Church, 2535 Rochester Road, Cranberry Township.

Wray will be laid to rest at Christ Our Redeemer Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made in Wray’s memory to support the Parkinson's Foundation (https://www.parkinson.org/donate).

Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.boylanfuneralservices.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.