Obituary of Stanley L. Bitchell

Stanley L. Bitchell PEABODY Stanley L. Bitchell, 82, beloved husband of Virginia (Mahar) Bitchell of Peabody, died suddenly and unexpectedly on Thursday evening at the North Shore Medical Center Salem Hospital. Born in Peabody, he was the son of the late Jacob and Anastasia (Kozlowski) Bitchell. He was a lifelong resident of the city. He graduated from Peabody High School, then attended the Practical School of Art in Boston, which is currently known as the Art Institute of Boston. He was a Commercial Artist, and retired from the Boston Globe 18 years ago after 15 years of service there. Mr. Bitchell performed his Patriotic Duty in the United States Marine Corps during World War II, serving in the South Pacific Theatre of Operations in the Philippines where he was highly decorated. He was awarded the Navy Cross and three Purple Hearts among other numerous awards, medals and citations. Stanley was an avid Outdoorsman, and who especially enjoyed Fly-Fishing for Atlantic Salmon up in Maine and Canada, and was a Lifetime Member of the Legion of Valor. He will be missed by his family, including: his wife, Virginia (Mahar) Bitchell of Peabody, with whom he shared 59 years of marriage; one son, Paul Bitchell of Byfield; one daughter, Suzanne Smith of Siesta Key, FL; six grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren; one brother, Chester Bitchell of Peabody; one sister, Sophie Powers of Peabody, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Elizabeth Henault. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to a visitation on Tuesday from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM, followed by a Funeral Ceremony at 11:30 AM in the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 12 Chestnut St. location, Peabody. Urn burial will be in St. Mary’ s Cemetery, Salem. Memorial donations may be made to Marine Corps Heritage Foundation, P.O. Box 420, Quantico, VA 22134-0420, or to a charity of one's choice.