BITTORF, Todd William Bittorf

With deep sadness, the family of Todd William Bittorf announce his unexpected death on June 9, 2026, at his home in Restoule, Ontario. He was 59 years old.

Todd was the much-loved father of Emily Bittorf and Caroline Bittorf, both of Chicago. He was the cherished son of Betty (nee Odd) and Harvey Bittorf of Restoule, and the dear brother of Tracy Steele (husband Tim), also of Restoule. Loved uncle of Jack and Greg Steele. He is survived by his former wife, Ruth (Golden) of Chicago. Todd will be fondly remembered by his extended family, former colleagues, students, and friends.

Todd was the first born of Betty and Harvey Bittorf. He came into the world July 19, 1966. He had a happy childhood in North Bay, Ontario where he met many friends who he remained close with for life. He was one of the eldest of many cousins who loved and admired him. Todd spent summers in Restoule, Ontario with his family and extended relatives. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed spending time on the lake water skiing, boating, and hanging out on the dock.

As a child, minor hockey league was Todd’s first passion. He was proud of the fact that he won the MVP award at age 11. Todd had fond memories of playing road hockey in the street with friends until dusk. He played four years of football in high school. He was also on the ski team and he was a ski instructor for five years.

Todd was a very early entrepreneur. As a young man he founded and co-owned Splash Pools for eight years (1988-1995) which was one of his proudest accomplishments. Todd and his team sold and installed 50 beautiful inground pools. Todd cared deeply about the work he did and he remained friends with many of his clients.

Todd excelled academically in high school. He went on to earn multiple degrees in fine art and technology in education.

One of the highlights of Todd’s university life was studying abroad while working toward his degree. He studied in Italy and he described his experiences there as life altering. He spoke fondly of the time he bought a motorcycle and drove through the mountains with a paint easel on the back of his bike. He had special memories of his sister and friends who visited while he was abroad.

Todd showed a natural talent in teaching art and he connected well with at risk children and inner city students. Upon obtaining his teaching certification, Todd’s first job was at a school in Cabrini Green, one of the toughest neighborhoods in the city of Chicago. Todd’s creative ideas drove his teaching. His students made colorful African masks out of palm fronds that he picked up in Florida. He made due with very limited supplies and he exposed his students to the world of art in an inspiring and nurturing way.

Todd understood the trauma that his students faced on a daily basis due to gang and gun violence, and he created a meaningful outlet

for his students to express their experiences and emotions. This violence project was highly recognized and his student’s art work was displayed at multiple venues including the Chicago Cultural Center and Loyola Hospital.

Todd was instrumental in networking schools to bring technology into the classroom. Leading him to roles in technology instruction and teacher mentoring.

Anyone who knew Todd knows that his obsession was the Toronto Maple Leafs!

He was a die hard fan and his own children have carried on his life-long devotion. Hockey impacted Todd’s life in so many ways. Todd played weekly on a men’s team at Johnny’s Ice House in Chicago for many years. He made many friends there who meant the world to him.

Todd’s most cherished part of his life was his family. He met his former wife, Ruth (Golden) at a dinner in Chicago with mutual friends. They hit it off immediately. They had a fairy tale wedding which could not have taken place without the  generosity of friends and family.  Some highlights included a Canada vs. U.S. hockey game, and an architectural boat tour down the Chicago river.

Todd couldn’t wait to start a family and he was proud of the first home that he and Ruth purchased. The home in Berwyn, IL was over 100 yrs. old. Todd and his hockey friends gutted the house and built it up from the studs. The time that Todd and his family lived in that house was one of the most cherished parts of his life.

Todd’s daughters, Emily and Caroline, were his everything. He was so proud of their many accomplishments. He was extremely proud that both girls attended the University of Toronto and graduated with honors. He knew that their future would be bright. They were his biggest source of joy. He would do anything for them, and there are no words to describe how deeply he loved them.

Recently, Todd  moved back to Restoule to be with and help his parents, Harvey and Betty and be with his sister, Tracy, and her husband and longtime friend Tim. Todd’s extended family was grateful to have him back in the place that Todd called paradise.

The Bittorf family invites friends and loved ones to join them in honoring Todd’s life at a Memorial Service on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 11:00 am at the Paul Funeral Home, Powassan, Ontario. A reception and celebration of Todd’s life will follow the service.