Edward E. Bittman, "Eddie", 91, passed away on March 8, 2009 after a short illness. He was a beloved son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle and nephew. Eddie grew up in the Vestal Avenue area of Binghamton, the 8th of 10 children. He graduated from Binghamton High School. He served in World War II from 1940 to 1945 serving in France.

Eddie worked at Allen's Jewelry and Sports store for many years until purchasing Rinker's Wholesale Jewelers in 1955. He developed a successful wholesale business through hard work and determination. In 1976 he brought his son into the business who ran the store until it's closing in 2006. Eddie retired to Sarasota, Florida in the mid 1980's.

Eddie married his high school sweetheart, Helen Pitler Bittman in 1940 and enjoyed 25 wonderful years of marriage until her passing on July 25th 1965. He is survived by his two children, Judith Carroll and son-in-law, Ed of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and his son, Stephen Bittman and daughter-in-law, Nancy of Richmond, Virginia. He measured his happiness by his grandchildren and would always say "How did I get so lucky to have such wonderful grandkids". Heather Carroll and long time boyfriend, Jim Trungale, Matthew Carroll and wife, Kirta, Lonni (Bittman) Rosenthal and husband, Andrew and Brian Bittman. He is survived by his younger brother, Melvin Bittman, Glens Falls, NY and his brother-in-law, Larry Pitler, West Palm Beach, FL. Also survived by many nephews and nieces. Eddie was blessed to have spent the past 13 years with his dear friend and companion, Alice Feeney. She was his steady companion and a constant source of sunshine, love and happiness in his life.

Eddie was a member of Temple Israel and Vestal Hills Country Club. He was an accomplished bowler and a consistently low handicap golfer. Eddie was well known wherever he went. He was quick witted and would never miss an opportunity to make a joke or engage in banter with a waitress or any passing person with who he came in touch. Ed was known for his great lines, his upbeat personality, and his sense of fun which endeared him to all. He was an inspiration to all his family in many and different ways. He was much loved, and all his family are grateful for the many years they had with him. He was blessed with amazingly good health throughout his life. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to American Cancer Society or Tidewell Hospice House 5957 Rand Blvd., Sarasota in Ed's name.

Funeral arrangements by Barber Memorial Home. Services will be held at Temple Israel, 4733 Deerfield Place, Vestal, NY on THURSDAY MARCH 12TH at 11:00 a.m. The family will receive friends beginning at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow the service at Temple Israel's Riverside cemetery 715 Conklin Road. The family will be at will be at the Barber Memorial Home, 428 Main Street, Johnson City, NY Thursday and Friday evening from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.

Home: Binghamton, NY
Date of Death: March 8, 2009
Service Information: March 12, 2009 at Temple Israel, 4733 Deerfield Place, Vestal, NY
Time: 11:00am