Charles (Charlie) Francis Bittman (February 24, 1944 – July 3, 2025) passed away after a brief illness at the age of 81. Charlie was born in Floral Park, NY, grew up in Stamford, CT and resided in Riverside, CT with a few months in Palm Beach Gardens each winter.
Charlie graduated from the University of Connecticut in 1967 with a degree in business. He went on to serve over three years in the United States Marine Corps as a jet fighter pilot, proudly flying F4s and A6s. After being honorably discharged as a Captain in the Marines, Charlie cultivated a successful corporate career, working at Continental Group Inc. and Smith Corona for over a decade each and later at Gemini Industries and Media Resources Inc. During this time, he also earned an Executive MBA from the University of New Haven.
While in the military, Charlie had 3 children, Charles, Holly, and Ryan with his first wife Barbara. Charlie later married the love of his life, Maureen Lavelle on New Year’s Eve 1996, and together they had one daughter, Kara. They shared wonderful years filled with laughter, companionship and unwavering support. Charlie enjoyed being a part of Maureen’s extensive family, which includes her two sisters and three brothers, their spouses, her Mother and sixteen nieces and nephews.
In retirement, Charlie kept himself busy, helping Maureen manage her State Farm Insurance Agency; helping coach Kara’s many lacrosse teams (shoutout to Mr. Tootsie Roll) and attending all of her plays and chorus performances; in addition to being an active member of the Stamford Knights of Columbus, serving in various capacities, including Grand Knight and Faithful Navigator. He enjoyed distributing coats for their annual drive and serving meals at New Covenant Center. Charlie was thrilled when his son Ryan, wife Franny and grandchildren Lily and Charles moved to Greenwich in 2014. Charlie was a proud grandfather, cheering on the sidelines at Lily’s and Charles’ ice hockey and lacrosse games.
Beyond his passion for family, Charlie was a lover of sports, travel and wine. He ran the New York Marathon at the age of 40 in just 3 hours 33 minutes. He continued his exercise regime until last month, walking many miles each day through the hills of Greenwich and at Tod’s Point. Charlie loved traveling with Maureen, showing anyone who would look at the beautiful photos from the National Parks, Paris, Italy, Croatia and most recently Yellowstone and Grand Tetons. Even in the hospital, Charlie wanted to hear about his family’s future travel plans and direct them on which bottles of wine to enjoy from his wine fridge first. His generous spirit, quick wit, jovial nature, and love of the many good things life has to offer will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
Charlie was predeceased by his parents, Charles Bittman and Eileen (Lynch) Bittman; his brother, Thomas Bittman; his son, Charles (Chuck) Bittman, and his beloved dog, Coco. He is survived by his wife Maureen; his children, Holly, Ryan (Franny Bittman) and Kara; and his grandchildren, Jonathan Hallama (grandson-in-law Jeremy Ellis) and Lily and Charles Bittman.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to New Covenant Center in Stamford, an organization that Charlie served and cooked meals at for many years.