Wayne Leo Bitner

Wayne Leo Bitner, 78, of Rising Sun, MD, passed away Thursday, October 16, 2025, surrounded by his family. Born October 3, 1947, in Havre De Grace, MD, he was the son of the late Leo Bitner Sr. and Grace Marie (Jackson) Bitner.

Wayne graduated from Perryville High School in 1966 and Fairmont State College in Fairmont, West Virginia, in 1970, where he was a champion wrestler. He also obtained a master’s degree from West Virginia University in Morgantown, WV.

In his early career, he taught industrial arts at Christiana and Glasgow high schools and coached wrestling for 5 years. Wayne then owned his own successful business, Shore Roofing and Siding, for more than 40 years.

Wayne will especially be remembered for being a pillar of the community as a member of the Lions Club of Port Deposit for more than 40 years where he served as secretary and president, dedicated to packaging and giving Christmas baskets to the less fortunate—even recruiting friends and family to lend a hand.

Over all else, Wayne enjoyed spending time with family and friends. His family will fondly remember the times he spent with his grandchildren and hosting family gatherings, along with his love for wood and metalworking, gardening, photography, and scuba diving. He always ensured the pool was clean and ready, welcoming anyone who wanted to swim, especially on hot summer days. Together he and Bobbi created countless memories traveling—from Disney World and national parks throughout the United States to cruises and international destinations.

Wayne is survived by his loving wife and high school sweetheart, Roberta (Bobbi) Ellen Hasson Bitner with whom he shared 55 wonderful years of marriage; children Shelby Lynn (John) Bowser of North East, MD, and David Wayne (Amanda) Bitner of Lititz, PA; four grandchildren, Alex, Aubrey, Nathan, and Hannah; siblings Gary (Debbie) Bitner of Rockledge, FL, Debbie (Jim) Barton of Colora, MD, Donna Evans of Louisville, KY, Mike (Marie) Bitner of Port Deposit, MD, Leo (CJ) Bitner of Conowingo, MD, Dennis (Renee) Bitner of Perryville, MD, Beth Bitner of Colora, MD, and Pat Knight of Colora, MD; sister-in-law Susan Hasson of Rising Sun, MD; 17 nieces and nephews and 15 great nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by brothers-in-law Norman Hasson Jr. of Rising Sun, MD, and Jim Evans of Louisville, KY.

For those wishing to pay their respects, visitation will be held at the Lee A. Patterson & Son Funeral Home, P.A., in Perryville from 6–8 p.m. on Monday, October 20, with funeral services scheduled for 11 a.m. on Tuesday, October 21, at the Lee A. Patterson & Son Funeral Home, P.A., followed by burial in Brookview Cemetery in Rising Sun.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in care of Lee A. Patterson & Son Funeral Home, P.A., P.O. Box 766, Perryville, MD 21903-0766.