BITAR, George B.

George B. Bitar passed away Sunday night. He died peacefully at home with his family, with dignity and grace. Born and raised in Mexico City, he became a U.S. citizen in 1955. He cherished his American citizenship and always held the ideals of liberty and justice for all close to his heart. A career soldier, he served in both the Marine Corps and the Air Force, retiring after 23 years of active duty. Among many honors received during his military service, he was awarded the Purple Heart for valor for injuries received while serving in the Viet Nam war. He later worked with Allied Signal in Tempe, retiring in 1991. Renowned for his wit and humor, George was a loving and warm-hearted person, making friends wherever he went. He was especially proud of the educational and career opportunities his adopted country afforded his children. He cherished his four grandsons, and his spirit lives on through them. He will be buried with full military honors on Friday at 1:00 p.m. at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona in Phoenix. Memorial Services will be held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church on Saturday at 9:00 a.m. He is survived by his wife of 20 years, Rosie Bitar, his mother Yolanda Bonal, his son George J. Bitar and his wife Evelyn, his stepdaughter, Kymmie Hinderliter Osmundson and her husband Ron, his stepson Brian Hinderliter, his daughter Carmina Bitar Day and her husband David, and four grandsons, Ronald Osmundson III, Devon Osmundson, Max Washburn Bitar and Miles Bitar Day. Donations may be made to Hospice of the Valley at 602-530-6900. Published in the Arizona Republic on 5/1/2003.