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Richard "Rick" Christopher Bittner, born May 24, 1958, in Baltimore, Maryland at Mercy Hospital, passed away unexpectedly, on Sunday, July 26, 2026, leaving behind a family who loved him deeply and a community forever changed by him. Though his time with us ended far too soon, the love he shared and the memories he created will live on in the hearts of all those who knew him.
Rick is survived by his wife, Dr. Magaly Rodriguez de Bittner, his two children, Ricardo (Jessika), Magaly Delisse (John), the lights of his life his four grandchildren a.k.a the “pequeños”, Mateo, Victoria, Luca and Ricardo, his beloved mother, Bernadette, his siblings, Kevin (Eileen), Ed (Elaine), and Carol(Ross), his sisters-in-law Beatriz “Tita,” Elisa, and Wanda, his brothers-in-law Joe, Alberto, and Luis, adored nieces and nephews, extended family, and countless friends whose lives were enriched by his generosity, humor, love, and steadfast loyalty. He was preceded in death by his sister Kathy, his grandmother Bernadette “Ma,” his father-in-law Hector “Toto,” and his mother-in-law Georgina “Yina”.
After meeting at a Halloween costume party at Martinique, where the girl- known to Rick as “Diana”- trusted the boy with the law books in the back seat of his car, Rick married the love of his life on January 1, 1983. Thus began a beautiful marriage that spanned more than four decades. Together they built a life centered on love, family, laughter, and an unwavering devotion to family.
Rick was a proud of his two children; his son- who carries on his name and love of Baltimore sports and his daughter who followed in his footsteps joining the legal profession. While he treasured his children, it was his role as "Papa Ricky" to his four beloved “pequeños” that brought him his greatest joy. They were the light of his life, his pride and joy, and he cherished every moment spent cheering them on, making memories- especially on the golf cart, and simply being together.
A respected attorney of over 40 years, Rick dedicated his career to helping others, especially the Latino Community and various legal, political, and charitable organizations with integrity, compassion, professionalism, and an unmatched tenacity for representing all his clients. He will be remembered for his political activism- especially with former State Senator Phil Jimeno and the Roland Terrace Democratic Club, his involvement in creating legislation, influencing and advancing the practice of law, and his appointments as the Chairman of the Board of License Commissioners for Anne Arundel County, member of the Judicial Nominating Commission for Anne Arundel County, and member of the Board of License Physicians.
In addition to his dedication to the legal profession, Rick embraced life wholeheartedly. As a devoted Catholic, on Sundays he could always be found at Our Lady of the Chesapeake giving thanks to God for all his blessings- especially his family. He loved spending time on the Magothy River boating and fishing, traveling which included visiting numerous countries on six continents, watching his beloved Baltimore Ravens and Orioles, and never missing an opportunity to enjoy life to the fullest with an impressive party (where EVERYONE was invited) that usually ended with a grand firework display. Yet none of those passions compared to the pure joy he found simply being surrounded by the people he loved, as his loved ones were his greatest pride and joy. Whether it was a family vacation, a holiday gathering, a ballgame, a day on the boat, or an ordinary evening together, Rick believed the greatest moments in life were the ones shared with family and friends.
Rick will be remembered for his intense passion, his unwavering loyalty, profound love for his family, his willingness to help his community, and his generous heart. His legacy is not only in his accomplishments but will continue forever by the family he cherished, his “pequeños”, and the knowledge and dedication he instilled in those who loved him.
In lieu of flowers please continue Rick’s legacy by donating to the following organizations that were dear to him:
Maryland Legal Aid
Our Lady of the Chesapeake Catholic Church
Centro de Ayuda/Center of Help
checks payable to "Center of Help"
Memo: In Memory of Abogado Richard C. Bitter
1906 Forest Dr., Suite 2A
Annapolis, MD 21401
Magothy River Association
Family requests relatives and friends visit Gonce Funeral Service, P.A., 4001 Ritchie Highway, on Saturday (August 1, 2026) from 3 to 5 PM and 7 to 9 PM, with a funeral service beginning at 7:30 PM.
Feel free to express your condolences on his tribute wall.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Richard C. Bittner, please visit our floral store.