John R. Bitzko Jr.

John R. Bitzko, 59, of Shannock, Rhode Island, passed away peacefully at home, on a beautiful fall day, surrounded by the love of his family, on Wednesday, October 14, 2020.

Born in South Kingstown, R.I. on February 14, 1961 to the late John R. Bitzko and Catherine (Sullivan) Bitzko, John served honorably in The United Sates Marine Corp. After his discharge, he met and married the love of his life, Diane (Richmond) Bitzko, and they raised two boys, Darrell, and John. John retired after 34 years from the Department of Environmental Management at Burlingame Sate Park. He enjoyed spending his days in the company of his wife and sister and relished those days where he could do whatever he wanted. He enjoyed playing guitar and harmonica and was also an avid reader. He loved messaging his nieces and nephews causing a little mischief, just to get a chuckle out of it.

John was a gentle giant and a big teddy bear, always ready to lend a listening ear and could always make you smile. He was kind, genuine, fun, and had a way of making every person he spoke to feel special. His presence will be sorely missed.

Besides his loving wife Diane, he leaves his two sons Darrell and John Bitzko, his grandson Nicholas Bitzko, his stepmother Marie (Leclair) Bitzko, his sister Donna Bitzko Gentile, his stepsister Brenda Verville, and several aunts, cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, John R. Bitzko, Sr. and Catherine (Sullivan) Bitzko and his brother, Joseph P. Bitzko.

A celebration of his wonderful life will be arranged at a date to be determined.

Arrangements by S.R. Avery Funeral Home 3A Bank St., Hope Valley, R.I.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his name to charity of the donor’s choice.

For online condolences, please visit www.averyfuneralhome.com

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