CHICAGO, IL, USA
U.S. Army
CPL, HHC, 1ST BATTALION, 502D INFANTRY, 2 BCT, FORT CAMPBELL, KY
BAGHDAD, IRAQ 02/20/2008
Albert Bitton, 20, was a devoted husband of Melissa (Handelman), beloved son of Silvia and Elie Bitton, loving brother of Elizabeth and Jackie Bitton.
The West Rogers Park native joined the Army in December of 2005 after finishing high school at Ida Crown Jewish Academy. While there, Albert got good grades, mostly A’s, joined the wrestling team and he met the woman who would later become his wife.
There were major changes in Albert Bitton’s life last fall. He was married in August and was scheduled to head out to Iraq in October. But, before that trip he visited his former high school in uniform, where he talked about his plans to return one day and become a doctor. Those close to Albert say he saw the Army as a way to gain the training and financial help to someday become a surgeon.
It seemed everyone who encountered Albert was affected by his charm and infectious smile. But it was not his smile alone that made him so great. It was the kindness behind that smile. In a letter to friends before being deployed to Iraq, Albert tried to quell their concerns about maintaining his Jewish commitment. He promised to pray with his tefillin every day and wrote, “I will always remain a Jew, every step of the way.”
A Bronze Star Medal and Purple Heart were presented to Albert’s wife and parents.
Albert is survived by his wife, Melissa Handelman, his parents, Elie and Silvia, and his sisters, Jackie and Elizabeth. May they be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem and may his memory be for a blessing.