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It is with deep regret we share the death notice of Past Chief Chaplain, the Rev. Daniel J. Bitsko…

Thanks to Past Chief Chaplain Edward Billia (2004 – 2006) for finding and providing this obituary and photos…

Rev. Daniel J. Bitsko

April 27, 1937 ~ September 4, 2019 (age 82)

Obituary

Rev. Daniel J. Bitsko, 82, of New Britain, PA, entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, September 4, 2019 at ManorCare Health Services in Montgomeryville, PA. Born in Coaldale, he was the son of the late Frank and Helen (Zelinka) Bitsko. He was a graduate of the former Coaldale High School and was a graduate of Duquesne University. He then joined the Byzantine Catholic Seminary of Saints Cyril and Methodius in Pittsburgh where he fulfilled his vocation of becoming a Byzantine Catholic Priest. Father Daniel had served as the pastor at St. Mary’s Byzantine Catholic Church in New York City, St. Andrew’s Byzantine Catholic Church in Westbury, NY and last served at the Byzantine Catholic Church of the Resurrection in Smithtown, NY.

Father Daniel was a member of the New York State Association of Fire Chaplains, Inc. and served as Chief Chaplain from 2002 – 2004. He also served as the Chaplain for the New York Islanders Hockey Team as well as for Nascar Races at the Pocono Raceway. Father Daniel was very active in the community of Smithtown, NY having been a member and Chaplain of the Smithtown Fire Company, member of the Smithtown Rotary and member of the Smithtown Historical Society. He was also a member of the Suffolk County Volunteer Fireman’s Association in New York as well as the Southern New York Fireman’s Association. Father Daniel was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, Henry Baker Council 2711.

Surviving is a Sister, Helen Kochaba and her husband John of Camden, DE; Brother, Nicholas Bitsko and his wife Ruth of New Britain, PA; Many Nieces and Nephews. He was preceded in death by a Sister, Mary Cortese; Brothers, Michael, Frank, Andrew, John and Stephen.

Funeral Service with Divine Liturgy will be held on Monday, Sept. 9, 2019 at 11 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Byzantine Catholic Church, 104 E. Bertsch St., Lansford with the Most Reverend Kurt Burnette officiating. Interment will follow at St. John the Baptist Byzantine Catholic Cemetery, Summit Hill. Visitation will be held on Monday from 9-11 a.m. at the Church.

Contributions, in Father Daniel’s Memory, may be made to St. John the Baptist/St. Mary’s Byzantine Catholic Parishes, the Byzantine Catholic Church of the Resurrection or to the charity of one’s choice . Online Condolences may be expressed at www.nalesnikfh.com. Funeral services and arrangements are being handled by the Bruce A. Nalesnik Funeral Home, 57 W. Center St., Nesquehoning PA 18240.

(Attached are several photos that Chaplain Billia provided. Dan always looked forward to the annual Catholic Chaplain’s picture that was taken at our Chaplain Conferences.)