Obituary of Robert Luther Ritter

Robert Luther Ritter passed away on Sunday, November 29, 2015 at Smilow Cancer Hospital, in New Haven, Connecticut, surrounded by his wife and step-daughter after his courageous battle with cancer. Robert was a 1968 graduate of Littlestown High School, and a 1972 graduate of Penn State University with a degree in finance. He was a member of Sigma Tau Gamma, Alpha Kappa Psi, and Alpha Phi Omega fraternities. Although Robert enjoyed other employment after graduation from college, he will be mostly remembered as secretary and co-owner of Littonian Shoe Company in Littlestown, Pennsylvania, a family business begun by his father, Luther Ritter. Robert was very active in Littlestown Jaycees, and became a Jaycee Senator in this organization. He also received the Jaycee International Senator-ship Award. He also served as treasurer on the Board of Littlestown managers of the Hanover YMCA, and was active in the development of the YMCA in Littlestown. He was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Littlestown, and played in the bell choir there. He was also a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Old Saybrook. Robert was a devoted husband, step-father, grandfather, brother, godfather, and friend. During his lifetime, Robert enjoyed many travels with his family and friends. He had visited much of the United States, Europe, Australia, Caribbean, and all continents except Africa. He loved the mountains, hiking, baseball, Penn State and Big Ten football, Penn State Girl's volleyball, tennis, and basketball. He had a great appreciation for the arts and education. Although he lived in New England for many years, he was a constant Baltimore Orioles fan. Robert loved finance and on-line trading. Robert was the son of Margaret (Sharrer) Ritter and Luther Ritter. He was predeceased by his parents, a brother, Richard Ritter, and a niece/god-daughter, Anne Hurley Obot, of Saratoga, CA. He is survived by his wife, Karen Caulfield Ritter, a step-daughter, Brandy Leigh Bishop and her significant other, Kevin Mikkelson; a step-grandson, Logan Matthew Mikkelson, of Connecticut. He was looking forward to the arrival of a grand daughter, Addison Leigh Mikkelson in February. Other survivors include a sister, Mary Hurley, of Thousand Oaks, CA, and her husband, William Hurley; a brother, Carl Ritter, of South Carolina and his family; a sister, Martha Ritter, of New York City; and a sister, Dr. Shirley Ritter, of Greenville, South Carolina. Numerous nieces and nephews also remain in Washington State, South Carolina, and many cousins in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and California. A celebration of Robert's life will be held at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 56 Great Hammock Road, Old Saybrook, Connecticut at 11:00 AM, on Saturday, December 12, 2015. Another celebration of life service will be held at the Little's Funeral Home in Littlestown, Pennsylvania in the near future. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society. To share a memory of Robert or send a condolence to his family, please visit www.rwwfh.com. Arrangements by the Robinson, Wright, & Weymer Funeral Home in Centerbrook, Connecticut.