Remembering Bob Bittens

We are saddened to report that Connecticut radio fixture “Barefoot Bob” Bittens, former PD of WHCN/Hartford, died this weekend after a nine-year battle with a rare form of cancer. Bittens’ sister, Holly Muscolino posted, “It is with great sadness that I am reporting the passing of my brother, Bob Bittens. Bob was tenacious in fighting this awful disease, and was recently in drug trials that were showing promise. His passing was too soon and unexpected. Many of us followed Bob closely on Facebook and we will miss his humorous posts, as well as the updates on his escapades with his much-loved lab Max. He leaves a big hole in our hearts.”

Bittens got his initial radio break at WPLR/New Haven in 1978. He later made the move to WHCN/Hartford (pictured here in 1979), where he rose through the ranks to MD, and later, PD. After a two-year hiatus, Bittens returned to radio, this time on the sales side as an AE with Clear Channel’s Hartford cluster. In the fall of 2008, Bittens was diagnosed with a very rare form of cancer called Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma, or ACC. Making matters even more complicated, Bittens lost his job in August 2014, and, just over a year ago, he and his wife Gail lost everything when their house was damaged by a fire.

A GoFundMe site had been set up nearly two years go to help defray Bittens’ mounting medical expenses, and Muscolino says that page will remain up and running to help Bob’s wife Gail.

Bittens also leaves behind a daughter, Brooke and son Jacob. A Facebook post by Jacob Bittens reads, in part, “It’s with a heavy heart that I can confirm the passing of my father, Bob Bittens. He fought cancer for nearly 10 years with incredible tenacity and unyielding humor. He lived a life low in wealth but rich with experiences and loving company. He will be sorely, sorely missed. Thank you so much to everyone who’s come out so far to offer condolences… Dad, I love you.”