From Republican Party of Florida vice chair Lenny Curry:
With sadness and a heavy heart, I must report that Florida has lost a great leader and public servant. Today, the Republican Party of Florida’s Chairman Dave Bitner lost his courageous battle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).
It has been the honor of a lifetime to work by Chairman Bitner’s side. 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.
I ask all Floridians to join me in offering our thoughts and prayers for Dave and his remarkable wife Wendy. Through Dave’s battle with ALS, I watched as Wendy was the embodiment of love and compassion. I pray that Dave enjoy the peace that comes from our God, and that Wendy feel God’s love and strength in this time of grief.
David I. Bitner, 1948 – 2011
David Bitner, the chairman of the Republican Party of Florida and a former state lawmaker, died at his Monticello home on Thursday after his months-long battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS. Mr. Bitner was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend to many around the state of Florida.
Born in Hagerstown, Maryland, Bitner grew up on a farm and graduated from North Hagerstown High School. Even late into his life, Bitner prided himself on keeping “farm hours” by reporting to work early and staying late.
Bitner relocated to Southwest Florida and served for many years as the General Manager of the Port Charlotte-based Charlotte Sun-Herald.