Edward G. Ritter

Ritter, Edward G. "" Dr. Edward Gobel Ritter, 76, passed away from cancer on July 11, 2013. He was born to Fanny Newby Ritter and Edward G. Ritter in Richmond, KY, and was a 51 year resident of Winter Park. If wealth is determined by friendships, then Ed was truly a wealthy man. To the end of his life, he had great relationships with his childhood, college and Winter Park friends, and with his two beautiful wives, Gail Jennings (Winter Park) and the late Susan Smith (Vero Beach). Ed could laugh and tell a joke like no other - he truly knew how to have a great time. Growing up as an excellent athlete, he quarterbacked his Eastern Kentucky University Maroons (now EKU Colonels) for three seasons in the mid-1950's. In his later life he was widely known for his lack of golf skills, but was never without an offer of inclusion because he added fun and humor to any foursome. Ed's golf clubs will be highly coveted because he used up most of the bad shots in his bag. The good shots remain. Dr. Ritter graduated from the University of Louisville Dental School in 1960, and did his U.S. Public Health Service commitment in Tallahassee before moving to Winter Park in 1962. Here he opened a dental practice from which he retired in 2001. Ed also enjoyed his second career as a 10-year volunteer at the Winter Park Police Department, where he was loved by all the officers. Several of them referred to Ed as "one of our own." He had a huge heart, and would silently help many citizens in need. Many organizations solicited Ed's membership, and he was a key leader in several. A former president at the Winter Park Racquet Club, he was also a member of Interlachen Country Club and the Orange County Dental Society. He performed pro bono dental work for several organizations and charities over the years. Ed leaves behind a great legacy in his three children, Todd Marchant (Deana) of Vero Beach (grandsons Ritter and Tanner), Patrick J. Ritter (Vicki) of Key West (granddaughter Savannah), and daughter Page Ritter Soule (Robert) of Winter Park. Ed is also survived by his sister, Sylvia Ritter Richardson (Charles) of Raleigh, NC (niece Sylvia). Many selfless caregivers helped Ed pass in total peace and comfort. Our thanks go to all of them. A gravesite service open to all will be held at Palm Cemetery in Winter Park at 10 AM on Friday, July 19th. Donations in lieu of flowers may be sent to the Friends of WP First Responders Fund, PO Box 1240, Winter Park, FL 32790-1240.