Norfolk—William Hirsch Kittner passed away peacefully at his home on September 3, 2021.
Bill was born January 19, 1930 in Weldon N.C. He was the son of the late Louis and Rose Kittner and the baby brother to Joe, Dave, Dot and Harry of blessed memories, and sister Lucille. Bill was a resident of Weldon, North Carolina for 71 years. He graduated from Weldon High School and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He served in the United States Army during the Korean War, 1951–1953. Bill joined his family’s business, L. Kittner’s Department Store in 1955, which was owned and operated by him and his brother Harry,
Bill was an active member of numerous civic organizations including the Weldon Business Bureau, Roanoke Valley Chamber of Commerce, Roanoke Valley Red Cross, American Legion, Weldon Jaycees, and the Weldon Rotary Club. Bill was also a daily member of the Weldon Coffee Club where he and his fellow businessmen would discuss world and local events. Bill received many awards for serving his community while living in Weldon, including Small Businessman of the Year by the Roanoke Valley Chamber of Commerce, Boy Scout Citizen of the Year, and the Diversity Advocate Award from Halifax Community College.
Bill was an integral part of Temple Emanu-El in Weldon. He served in various roles including president, lay leader, caretaker, and also performed any other duties that were necessary for the operation of the congregation. He was instrumental in helping arrange the donation of the Temple Emanu-El Torah and memorial plaques to Temple Beth Charverim, in addition to stained glass windows and other religious memorabilia to Beth Sholom Chapel and the Chapel Hill Kehillah. Upon moving to Norfolk in 2001, Bill joined Congregation Beth El. He became an active member of Brith Sholom and volunteered with Jewish Family Service of Tidewater’s PAM program.
Bill was a one-of-a-kind man with a beautiful heart, a passion for life, and a wonderful sense of humor. He was respected and admired by everyone he met. Bill was a true Tarheel who stood by his team whether they won or lost. While shopping, customers would often find Bill pacing the floor while listening to Carolina sports on Saturday afternoons.
Most important to Bill was his family. He was fortunate to have a large, caring, immediate and extended family. Bill is survived by his loving wife and best friend of 64 years, Ida Kroll Kittner. He is also survived by his children: Jody and David Laibstain, Lisa and Billy Latham, Rhoda and Bill Verhosek; his grandchildren: Hillary, Claire, Julia, Edward, and Dasha; his sister: Lucille (Chippy) Frank; and his sisters-in-law: Connie Kittner and Sarah Kittner. Additionally, Bill is survived by numerous devoted nieces, nephews, and their families.
The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude and thanks to Jewish Family Service of Tidewater and the Freida H. Gordon Hospice and Palliative Care for their support and care during Bill’s illness.
Funeral Services were held at Congregation Beth El. A private burial followed at Forest Lawn Cemetery.
Donations in Bill’s memory can be made to Congregation Beth El, Jewish Family Service of Tidewater, Freda H. Gordon Hospice and Palliative Care, or the charity of your choice. Online condolences may be offered to the family at hdoliver.com.