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RPOF Chairman Dave Bitner Dead at 62

By: William E. Lewis Jr. (Diary)  |  September 8th, 2011 at 01:02 PM  | 

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Republican Party of Florida Chairman David “Dave” Bitner is dead at the age of 62.

Bitner died early today following a brief battle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, commonly known as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease.

A Maryland native, Bitner moved to Florida in 1967.  Just last week he announced plans to retire from the position as state Republican chairman on September 23rd at Presidency 5 in Orlando.

“My prayers go out to Chairman Bitner, his wife Wendy and his family,” stated Richard DeNapoli, Broward Republican Party chairman.  “He was a great man, a great friend and a courageous leader for the Republican Party of Florida.”

Bitner, a former state representative from Port Charlotte, learned in April that he had ALS, an incurable disease that progressively attacks the brain and spine and eventually leads to complete paralysis.  At that time, Bitner pledged to carry out his duties as long as he could.  Last week he entered hospice.

 ”It has been the honor of a lifetime to work by Chairman Bitner’s side,” stated Lenny Curry, Florida GOP Vice-Chairman.  ”Not only was Dave a born leader, he was an exemplary man in every sense. In honor of his example, I am committed to ensure that the Republican Party of Florida continues its tradition of service to our beloved state.”

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  • redtillimdead

    I had no idea it was this serious when he announced his resignation last week. Very sad indeed.

  • http://www.floridapoliticalpress.com/ tomtflorida

    Chairman Bitner was a dear man and a class act. From the very early days of his tenure as Chairman on the RPOF, he made it a point to reach out to the tea party and seek common ground. And did so at a time when other Republican ‘officials’ were critical of the movement.

    Bitner became a true friend of the tea party and his leadership will be missed. May God bless Dave Bitner and his family.

  • pacajka

    I didn’t realize his ALS was so far advanced. He did a lot in his short term as RPOF Chairman. I hope his initiative to honor Florida’s veterans continues.

    God bless Dave, his family and friends.