Wolfgang Bitterolf
Wolfgang Bitterolf, 76, of Crescent, died on Wednesday, November 1, 2017, at U.P.M.C. Shadyside. He was born in Vienna, Austria on June 15, 1941, the son of the late Karl and Hilda (Weiner) Bitterolf.
Wolfgang spent most of his youth in Caracas, Venezuela. He travelled to Austria at 16 to continue his education before returning to Caracas for a career in marketing. It was here that Wolfgang met this cute Catholic girl from the U.S. Her name was Faith. He wooed her with his guitar and Spanish love songs; they were married in 1969 and had two sons. The Bitterolf family moved to the U.S. in late 1978, finally settling in Pittsburgh where Wolfgang was the marketing director at Vesuvius Crucible. But Wolfgang was his own boss, and in 1984 he founded Bitterolf Marketing which he managed successfully for over 30 years before he retired in January of 2015.
Wolfgang was brilliant and curious and something of an autodidact. A true gearhead and tinkerer, Wolfgang did electrical work, photography, made his own picture frames, designed model train sets, taught himself computers, made videos, designed websites, played accordion, guitar, piano, and he spoke three languages fluently. English was his third language, and he spoke it better than most of “yinz”!
Wolfgang is survived by his wife of 47 years, Faith (Timlin) Bitterolf; sons Paul Bitterolf (Jori) and Stephen Bitterolf (Jennifer Bailly); four grandchildren, Jackson, Willem, Henri, and James; and his sister Dagmar Schwertberger.
Friends are invited to a Memorial Gathering on Sunday, November 5th from 1-5PM at the Huntsman Funeral Home in Moon Township, 1522 Coraopolis Heights Road. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, November 6th at 11am at St. Catherine of Sienna Parish, Crescent. Interment will take place at a later date in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Southfield, Michigan.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Santa’s Kids (santas-kids.org) which was previously known as the Spirit of Christmas. This was a charitable organization that Wolfgang was involved with for over a decade. Donations may also be made in Wolfgang’s memory to Angels’ Place, an organization in Southfield, Michigan that provides support for adults with developmental disabilities (angelsplace.com).
0 thoughts on “Wolfgang Bitterolf”
Paul
Thinking of you and yours, in this time of sorrow. God bless and keep you all.
To Faith, and the whole Bitterolf family, I am so truly sorry for your loss. I know how hard it is for me, so can only imagine how hard it is for you. He was one of my best friends, and through him, I met so many other wonderful people, especially Faith. He truly made the world a better place with his loyalty, humor, and intelligence.
Thank you for bringing so much joy to the world Wolfie. I will miss you dearly my friend. I love you.
You were the best “Second Dad” anyone could ever wish for. You taught me so many tidbits about life that have made me a better Dad, husband, son and friend – Thank you. Rest in eternal peace Mr. Bitterolf. I am sure there are model trains in heaven… Enjoy. Love, Kevin, Karen, Wilson, Jack and Henry White – Huntersville, NC
Oh, Faith! I am so so sorry to learn of the loss of your beloved husband. Please know that my thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Sorry for your loss, Faith. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Vanessa
Faith, I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Dear Faith,
I am sad to hear about the loss of your husband. He sounds like a wonderful, kind, and fun person. Sending hugs and thinking of you and your family during this very challenging time.
Love,
Jayne
Faith, Stephen, Paul, and family –
I give you my deepest sympathy for the loss of Wolfgang. I remember his wittiness and gentle spirit. My family and I will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Take care!
Dear Stephen and family, so sorry to hear that. We know, what is it about and our deepest compassion is with you. We think about you and tonight we will have the best cup raised to your dad.
with the warmest regards, hugs and kiss from the Moselvalley, Ruth and Ulli and Piet
Paul, Jori and Family,
We were saddened by the news of your father’s passing. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
With Love, From Colorado,
James and Julia Cherry and Family.
Mrs. Bitterolf, Paul, and Stephen,
I am saddened to hear of the news of Mr. Bitterolf’s passing. I am fortunate to have several brief memories of Mr. Bitterolf. Like the time you, Mrs. Bitterolf, and your husband were at my parents home reminiscing about your time in Venezuela. Yes, that was some time ago.
My impression of Mr. Bitterolf has always been one of an impressive gentlemen. Mr. Bitterolf and you all will be in my prayers.
Dear Faith, Paul, Stephen and family,
I am deeply saddened to hear about Wolfgang’s passing into eternal light. I remember meeting him when we all belonged to Chapel Gate Swim Club (many years ago). I so enjoyed hearing him just converse in his beautiful Viennese accent. He was such an interesting person. I saw the listing of a memorial mass dedicated to him in St. Joe’s bulletin last week.
God bless; prayers are with you,
Carol DeGusipe