Dr. William Reynolds Bitler, 79, of State College, passed away on April 18, 2007, at Mount Nittany Medical Center. He was born November 25, 1927, in Haverstraw, New York, the son of William Peter and Gladys Reynolds Bitler. On January 16 1954, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, he married Louise Parcella, who survives at home. Dr. Bitler earned a Bachelor's Degree, Master's Degree, and Ph.D. in Physics from the Carnegie Institute of Technology.
Dr. Bitler began his teaching career at Carnegie Institute of Technology in Metallurgy and came to Penn State in 1962, where he was first an Associate Professor (1962-1970) and then a Full Professor until 1995, when he became Emeritus. His interests were broad, ranging from physical metallurgy to magnetic materials. Dr. Bitler was the advisor of numerous Ph.D. and M.S. graduates in metallurgy and helped administer the local chapter of the American Society for Metals (now known as ASM International). Graduate and undergraduate education were both important to Dr. Bitler, and he was actively involved in the Educational Affairs and Scholarship committees of the American Electroplating and Surface Finishing Society. He was also a member of the American Physical Society and the Metallurgical Society (AIME). Dr. Bitler was a Fulbright Scholar in the Solid State Physics Group of the University of Oslo's Institute of Physics in Oslo, Norway during the 1985-1986 academic year and was an elected ASM International Fellow.
Dr. Bitler's interest in teaching stemmed from his experience teaching radar in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and continued throughout his life. After becoming Emeritus, he continued to teach on an ad hoc basis for several years. His interest in learning was lifelong; his most recent book purchases included physics and applied mathematics texts.
Dr. Bitler was an avid skier (and proud member of the 70-plus ski club), handball player, and hunter. He was a rabid Nittany Lion sports fan, holding football season tickets for more than 40 years. He loved the New York Yankees, the New York Giants, and debating politics. He also enjoyed spending time in his yard and garden.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by one daughter, Marianne Bitler, and her partner Geoffrey Pike, of Irvine, California; one son, Jonathan Bitler of Fayetteville, Arkansas; one brother, George Bitler and his wife Barbara of Grand Isle, Vermont; and one grandson, Charlie Bitler of Irvine, California.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in Dr. Bitler's name to the Robert W. Lindsay Memorial Scholarship at Penn State, 121 Steidle Building, University Park, PA 16802 which benefits students who excel in metallurgy.
A viewing will be held on Saturday, April 21st. from 3 pm to 5 pm at Mark D. Heintzelman Funeral and Cremation Service 1034 Benner Pike, State College. A memorial service will be scheduled later in the summer.
A guest book can be signed or condolences sent to the family at www.heintzelmanfuneralhome.com