Dr. Raymond Bitzer RIP

I'm feeling very out of touch with the goings on in Ridgewood as I only heard yesterday about the passing of my lifelong dentist. It didn't matter where I lived, I would always made it a point to return to his office. If I had seen another dentist in the interim I would usually have to mention how the other dentist during my initial visit had wanted to remove all four of my wisdom teeth. This happened on more than one occasion and Dr. Ray's response was always the same, "Do they bother you?"  and "Make sure he is going to save the teeth next to the wisdom teeth." It was Dr. Ray's way of not criticizing someone in the profession and to gently remind that he had been watching my teeth all my life. My wisdom teeth have never bothered me and remain inside my mouth. This is just the way things work sometimes. Fortunately, I have always had a touchstone to gauge the wisdom of dental practitioners, and still do as I regularly visit his son, Bruce who has been a long time member of the practice.

Dr. Raymond L., Jr. of Ridgewood, died suddenly on Wednesday, January 14, 2015. He was 88 years old.
Born on July 17, 1926 to the late Raymond L Bitzer Sr. and Helen Bitzer, he grew up in both Haddonfield, NJ and Ocean City, NJ. 
He was a WWII Navy Veteran, and attended the University of Pennsylvania where he received both his undergraduate and dental degrees. He graduated with honors and was inducted into Omi Cron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society. He was also a member of the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Restorative Dentistry.
Upon graduation he moved to Ridgewood, NJ and set up his private practice. He has been practicing dentistry in the Village for the last 60 years, and the last 28 years with his son Bruce. He also served on the faculty of Fairleigh Dickinson University School of Dental Medicine for many years.
He was a golf enthusiast and member of both Ridgewood Country Club and Pine Valley Golf Club. He was a longtime member of West Side Presbyterian Church in Ridgewood, NJ.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Jeune Blocher Bitzer. His daughter, Jane Bitzer French of Ridgewood, and grandchildren Olivia, Mark Jr, and William. His son Raymond L Bitzer III of Cincinnati, Ohio and his wife Barbara (Fran) and grandchildren Katie, Liz and Amy. His son Bruce W Bitzer and wife Laureen of Ridgewood, and grandchildren Jennifer and Bradley. And, daughter Barbara Bitzer Kruger and husband Len of Delray Beach, FL.

Dr. Bitzer

It wouldn't be a complete blog about my memories of Ridgewood if I didn't mention my dentist, Dr. Bitzer. Dr. Raymond Bitzer has been my dentist all my life, even when I haven't lived in the immediate vicinity of his practice. Seeing him and his son, Bruce, who joined the practice in the late 80's has always been a good reason for me to return to Ridgewood for a visit.

It may sound eccentric to continue to see the same dentist but I have always appreciated their skills and honesty. The few times I have had to see other dentists they have always said the same thing, "You need to have your wisdom teeth removed." When I tell this to Bruce and his father they always ask the same question and follow it with the same recommendation, "Are they giving you any problems? If not, leave them alone."

This kind of integrity combined with the chance to catch up on the news of Ridgewood always leaves me feeling better in both body and spirit. I know most people have trouble seeing a visit to the dentist in this light but it works for me.