I was saddened to learn of the passing of Murray Bittman, one of the real gentlemen of the tailoring trade.  I first met Murray several years ago, when he was probably in his seventh decade of life, quite by accident, when I stumbled upon his small midtown shop.   I walked in out of curiosity, expecting to walk out after a few moments, and ended up being thoroughly charmed by Murray during a visit that lasted a couple hours, "kibitzing" about clothes, women, and a hundred other subjects.  That visit was the start of a very enjoyable business relationship that resulting in a couple dozen suits and sport coats, which back then cost a fraction of what a mediocre off-the-rack garment costs today.  Murray didn't really make what is pretentiously called "bespoke" clothes, but he made no pretense of it.  He provided well-made, good-looking clothes at a very sensible price, and dressed some of the best turned-out men in town.  Often times, I, and many other customers, would just drop by Murray's store to say hello, catch up, and exchange some jokes.  Murray was a man of immense integrity who was universally loved, a devoted husband and father, and he will be missed.