Michael Bitonto 1951 Bridgewater Bulletin A highly respected resident of Falkland Ridge, Annapolis County, died at his home here Friday, June 22nd. 1951, of cancer, after a tedious illness which covered a period of several months, part of which was spent in Soldiers Memorial Hospital, Middleton and in the V.G. Hospital, Halifax, where in dDcember of 1950 he underwent a very serious surgical operation. Mr. Bitonto was 72 and had lived at Falkland Ridge 45 years. Born in Mattinata, province of Foggia, Italy, where he owned a fine vineyard, Mr. Bitonto came first to the U.S.A., thence to Nova Scotia. Here be bought a farm. Throughout the years he has proven himself an industrious, law-abiding citizen. He was a kind and honest neighbour, appreciative of every kindness done to him and he won the respect of a host of friends here and elsewhere. Surviving are his wife, nee Lena Allen of Springfield and their two children, Mary, Mrs. E. Acker, of halifax, and Charlie, at home; also a grandson, Llewellyn Acker, who lives in his grandparents' home. These shared in caring for the sick man during his wearying yet not exceedingly painful illness in the home. Funeral services were held on the afternoon of Monday, June 25, in Falkland Ridge Baptist Meeting House, conducted by Lic. Frank Locke, of Barss Corner, who spoke words of comfort to the bereft family, reminding them of God's nearness and of the comfort to be derived from a realizing sense of His presence. He who is our Refuge and who in his wisdom can make us wise. Many floral tributes were placed around the casket. Pall bearers were H.Y. Sproule, Bamford Marshall, Stanley Kaulback, James Sproule, Aubrey Marshall, and E. G. Mason. Hymns by the choir were " I'm the Child of a King," "In THhe Cross of Christ I Glory," and "God Will Take care of You," and a solo, "Beyond the Sunset" by Edgar Mason. Burial took place in Falkland Ridge Cemetery.