Charles William Bittorie, Jr., known to many as Chuck, passed away on July 1, 2026, in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania, at the age of 61.
Born on January 13, 1965, in Baltimore, Maryland, Chuck lived a life marked by commitment to God, family, service, and the many people whose lives he touched along the way.
He was the husband of Candace A. (Hopkins) Bittorie and a cherished grandson, son, brother, father, friend, and co-worker. He was predeceased by his father, the late Charles W Bittorie, Sr., his grandfather, John C Lynham, Jr., his uncles Charles R Lynham and Alan B Lynham, and is lovingly remembered by his mother, Norma A Bittorie Boeckman, and her husband Jerry.
He is also survived by his son, Colby Bittorie, his daughter, Caley Bittorie, his brothers, John Bittorie and his wife Barbara, and Kevin Bittorie and his wife Kayte, as well as his grandmother, Louise Lynham, and his father-in-law, Robert Hopkins.
Chuck graduated from Liberty High School in Sykesville, Maryland, in 1983 and later attended Frederick Community College.
From an early age, he showed a strong competitive spirit and a natural talent for athletics. He was an excellent athlete who played many sports in high school and college, and his love of sports remained a meaningful source of enjoyment throughout his life. His enthusiasm for athletics reflected the same determination and passion that guided him in his work and in his relationships. Once his children reached the age of 6, he was a coach to his son’s baseball teams and football teams up until he graduated high school and his daughter’s softball teams up until she graduated high school. He was loved by his players and families.
His professional life was defined by service to others. Chuck served as a career firefighter with Howard County Fire and Rescue, a calling he carried out with dedication, courage, and pride until his retirement in August of 2024. He was then employed as a firefighter with Carroll County and Waynesboro, PA until he was no longer able to work. He also served as a volunteer with the Sykesville-Freedom District Fire Department and the Waynesboro Volunteer Fire Department, reflecting his lifelong commitment to helping others and serving his community. Those who worked alongside him knew him as dependable, hardworking, fun loving and devoted to the fire service.
His love for God was shown by service at his local church as part of the security team. He invited friends, coworkers, and friends of his children to attend church on a regular basis.
Chuck will be remembered not only for his years of service, but also for his fun-loving personality. His sense of humor and lively presence left lasting impressions on family, friends, and colleagues alike. Chuck lived with heart, and he approached life with a spirit that was both strong and generous.
The family will receive friends from 1 to 3 and 5 to 7 PM on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at Haight Funeral Home & Chapel, 6416 Sykesville Road, Sykesville and from 10 to 11 AM on Friday, July 10, 2026, immediately followed by the funeral service. Interment will follow in Lake View Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Howard Heroes, 5397 Twin Knolls Road, Suite #16, Columbia, MD 21045 or at www.howardheroesfund.org
