Jeffrey John Bitetti

Jeffrey John Bitetti passed away peacefully, surrounded by his beloved wife and sons, after a sudden and brief illness. He is preceded in death by his father Dominic, his mother Adel, his half brothers Rand and Daniel, and half sister Lauren. He is survived by his sister Kimberly, his brother Steven, his wife Gerrette, and his sons Dominic, Dante and Damien.

Born in Lubbock, Texas Jeff moved to Newport Beach with his family in 1971 and never left the community he loved. The youngest of six children, his "Rock and Roll" roots began at age five, when he taught himself to play guitar. Rumor has it he was inspired by his oldest brother who had played in a garage band with Buddy Holly. He attended Mariners Elementary School and Horace Ensign Middle School, where he played all sports. But he was especially drawn to football, excelling at an early age in the Junior All-American football program. In sixth grade he discovered music and theater, starring alongside his lifelong best friend, Douglas Brockmeyer, in The Music Man. Thus, his guitar, football and music became his lifelong passions.

At Newport Harbor High School, Jeff was known for his carefree spirit and his dedication to football under the Friday night lights. A standout defensive end, tight end, and punt, he made his mark by setting the school's single-season sack record at 18, a record that stood for 16 years. Standing 6-foot-2 and weighing 200 pounds, Jeff was a relentless force on the field. He often proudly recalled that during his varsity years his teammates never lost to rival Corona Del Mar. He helped the Sailors to the CIF Big Five semifinals. A proud member of the Class of 1978, Jeff he split his time between football, music, and school's drama Club. He starred in notable musicals such as West Side Story and Bye Bye Birdie. He was President of his Senior Class, and in recognition of his athletic achievements, he was inducted in to the Daily Pilot Hall of Fame in 2003.

After graduating in 1978, Jeff attended Claremont Men's College before transferring to the University of Southern California (USC). During that time his band, The Jeffrey John Band, performed at such iconic Southern California venues as the House of Blues, The Cannery, and The Coach House. His music career helped fund his education at USC. At USC, he proudly joined the Alpha Upsilon chapter of Sigma Chi fraternity. He graduated in 1982 with a bachelor's degree in Communication Arts and Sciences and later served as president of the John Wayne Orange County Sigma Chi chapter.

Jeff went on to build a successful career in commercial real estate. With Nexus Development, he helped market nearly one million square feet of office space, including Nexus City Square in Orange. Later, he worked with Scher Voit and Lighting Management Systems. In 1998, Jeff rejoined Nexus to help develop the twin tower project at MacArthur Place in Santa Ana. When the company collaborated with Steven Bren in 2002, Jeff helped form Bacchus, assembling a phenomenal team that marketed and sold more than 200 small office buildings.

Jeff was proud of his contributions to the Ronnie Lott Foundation, an organization that gave an award to the defensive college football player who had the greatest impact on their community. As a board member he helped steer the Foundation toward continued success.

Jeff was a man of strong faith. He became a devout Christian during his early years at USC. He deeply believed that "life goes to life in eternity with Jesus Christ our Savior," and his faith shaped every part of his life. Jeff also lived his faith through charity, giving his time and energy to church music ministries, Rock for CHOC, Orangewood Children's Home, and Miracles for Kids.

His greatest pride and joy were his three sons, Dominic Lee, Dante Lukas, and Damien Lorenzo ("the three DLBs") who meant everything to him. He thrived watching them grow among their close-knit friends, offering encouragement not only to his sons but to their friends as well. Supporting youth was deeply important to him. As he said, "My father handed me the baton. I now have the opportunity to hand the baton to my sons. They will carry with them the same things I carry. The legacy is so important."

His nieces and nephews also held a very special place in his heart. His love for them was boundless, and he never missed an opportunity to celebrate their accomplishments. After the passing of his brother Rand in 1994 and his sister-in-law, Jane, soon after, Jeff stood by his nieces Bronwen and Blythe as if they were his own daughters. "They're my girls, and nothing is gonna change that," he would say.

Jeff was larger than life, and when he entered a room, you knew it. To his wife, Gerrette, he was her "Blue Sky Man", always seeking the positive, always humble, and always grateful for the blessings in his life. The two just celebrated their 21st wedding anniversary in May.

Alongside holding his Sigma Chi Brothers in the highest regard, Jeff reveled in his "Weird Uncles" and "Grimage" friendships, organizing annual boys-only trips that renewed lifelong bonds.
Jeff delighted in meeting new people, making new friends, and bringing good people together. The quote on the back of his business card read, "Bringing good people together for great results", something he did in more ways than anyone could count. Known for his quick wit, keen sense of humor, and love of a good prank, Jeff lived life fully and joyfully. As he once wrote in one of his songs: "Life is too short, you better live it and love it while you still can."
Jeff's deep and abiding faith in Jesus Christ grounded his belief that this life is but a passage to eternal life. He faced that truth with hope and peace, trusting in the promise of scripture:
"I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die."
(John 11:25-26)
A memorial service will be held at St. Andrew's Church (600 St. Andrews Road, Newport Beach, CA 92660) on Thursday, October 16, at 2:00 p.m. All who knew and loved him are welcome. In respect for all who attend, please arrive no later than 1:55 p.m. Thank you.

In lieu of flowers, friends of the Bitetti's suggest contributions be made to Jeffrey's surviving son's college funds. Should you wish to make contributions, please send this to Gerrette Bitetti c/o Mary Lynn Gaddis, 339 Cherry Tree Lane, Newport Beach, CA 92660 with the memo "College Funds Bitetti Boys". Thank you.