Richard Bittner
September 25, 1936 - January 11, 2024 (Age 87)
Cumberland, MD- Richard “Dick” Franklin Bittner, 87, of Cumberland, MD passed away at home in his sleep on January 11, 2024.
Born September 25, 1936, in Cumberland, MD, Mr. Bittner was the son of the late Ben and Violet (Reed) Bittner.
Richard attended Fort Hill High School where he excelled in football, track, and basketball playing for Coach Bill Hahn. In 1953, he was named to the high school All-American Football team and was named “Outstanding Player” for the East in the game in Memphis, TN. He roomed there with former NFL great, Alex Karras, whom he remained friends with for years. Afterwards, Richard received a full scholarship to play for the defending national championship Maryland Terrapins in 1954 and 1955 under Coach Jim Tatum. In 1956, after an undefeated 10-0 regular season, Richard suffered a severe, crushed cartilage breast bone injury in the final scrimmage before the Orange Bowl game in Miami, ending his playing career. Maryland ultimately lost to Bud Wilkinson’s Oklahoma Sooners 20-6 who were then named National Champions.
After his injury, Richard serviced two years in the United States Air Force. Later, he earned a B.S. in Geography in 1962 and then a Masters’ in Education in 1966 from Frostburg State Teachers College.
Richard’s coaching career included many terrific teams, coaches, players, and staff whom he loved and cherished. He served as head football, track and junior varsity basketball coach at Fort Hill High School and won “Coach of the Year” Award in 1985 for Western Maryland. He coached several undefeated teams including the 1975 Maryland Class A State Champion Football Team at Fort Hill. He also coached the Maryland High School All Stars in1985, the Coaches All Star Football Classic in 1990, the Queen City Oldtimers Football Classic in 1994 and the Allegany County Cougars.
Richard developed a love for Florida’s West Coast after serving in the United States Air Force in Tampa, and eventually took pride in condominiums he owned in Ft. Myers, FL for 30 years.
Surviving is his beloved wife of 66 years, Norma (McClelland) Bittner; his son: David Bittner and wife Laura (Irwin) Bittner; his granddaughters: Jessica Capps and husband Jim; and Erica Allen and husband Dustin; great-granddaughter: Eila; and great-grandson: Cedar, whom all were the love of Richard’s life.
A private funeral service will be held and interment will be in Restlawn Memorial Gardens.
