Scottsdale, Arizonia - 75, passed away after a long battle with Parkinson's Disease on January 16, 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona. John was born the first of three brothers in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1946. He graduated from Pulaski High School and went on to earn a Bachelor's in Social Work from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh; a Master's in Social Work from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; and a Ph.D. in Social Psychology from Arizona State University.

As a young social worker in Milwaukee, he founded Care Cabs, a company that provided free transportation for people with disabilities. This was the first of a series of small businesses John grew throughout his lifetime, the most recent of which was Metrocare, which provided in-home care and other services for children with autism in Arizona. He was also an avid bassist and guitarist and held a deep passion for Jungian psychology and Zen meditation. John's positive impact on the communities he served and the people who knew him cannot be overstated. His wisdom, sense of humor, and gentle nature will live on in the hearts of everyone his life has touched.

John was preceded in death by his parents, John and Dolores Bitenc, and his former wife, Suzanne Stern-Bitenc. He is survived by his children John J. Bitenc, Daniel S. (Shannon) Bitenc, Josefa A. (Anderson) Westerman, and Sadie R. Bitenc, his foster son Julius Perez, his grandchildren Sydney, Henry, Griffin, and John Benjamin Bitenc, his brothers Jerry and Jim Bitenc, his former wife Judith Bitenc, and many other family members and friends.

A Memorial Gathering will be held on Sunday, February 6, 2022 from 2:00pm until 4:00pm at Schmidt & Bartelt Funeral Home, 10121 W. North Avenue, Wauwatosa.