Edwin W. Bitter, 79, of Vero Beach and Locust Valley, N.Y., died July 17, 2009. He was the son of Edwin and Helen Bitter, born April 25, 1930, in Newark, N.J. He was a graduate of Bordentown Military Academy and Duke University. Mr. Bitter was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Textiles from Philadelphia College of Textiles and Science. He served two years of active duty as a Naval Lieutenant in the Korean War and 12 years in the Reserves. He was a Partner, Director, and Chairman of Scalamandre Silks, Inc, importer and manufacturer of fine textiles to the American Decorative Design Industry for over 80 years. He received the Smithson Award from the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C., where his historic American Martial Flintlock pistol collection is being preserved by the museum. He was a co-author of “Historic Pistols” and “The American Martial Flintlock.” He was a fisherman, outdoor enthusiast, master wood carver, and collector. Survivors include his devoted and loving wife, Adriana Scalamandre Bitter; his four children, E. (Nancy)Ward, Robert F. Bitter, Mark J. (Wiggie) Bitter, Tami (Kevin) Cook; his 19 grandchildren; and 1 great-grandchild. In lieu of flowers please visit www.donationewb.webs.com for donation information.