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Jeffrey Ritter Obituary

HANOVER Jeffrey Foster Ritter, 55, formerly of Westminster, Md., died Friday, October 18, 2013, at Hanover Hospital. He was the husband of Anita L. Pezzulla Ritter, whom he married November 29, 1986. Born February 12, 1958, in Baltimore, Md., he was the son of Gregory B. Ritter of Hanover and Josephine O. Foster Ritter, who died August 24, 2013. He was a Physician Assistant at Howard County General Hospital, Drs. Brager, Gaber & Associates, Sinai Hospital Traumatic Brain Injury Unit, Mont Alto Family Practice, Carroll Primary Care Associates, and currently Spring Grove Family Care Center. He was a 1976 graduate of Howard High School in Ellicott City, Md., and earned Associate of Arts Degrees in Respiratory Therapy from Columbia Union College and in the Physician Assistant Program at Essex Community College. He also received a Bachelor of Science Degree in History from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County Campus (UMBC). He volunteered with the Ellicott City and Savage Volunteer Fire Departments while in high school. He was an amateur radio operator, a Civil War re-enactor, and an avid reader of Civil War and history books. He loved antiques and collectibles, listening to jazz, big band, and classical music, and enjoyed the beauty of nature. He was dedicated to taking care of his patients and enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. Surviving, in addition to his father and wife, are daughters, Kathleen M. "Katie" Ritter and Emily L. Ritter of Hanover; siblings and spouses, Michael G. and Patti B. Ritter of Millers, Md., Catherine M. and Angelo Papathakis of Ellicott City, Md., and Paul D. Ritter and his fiancee Maria Champ of Hanover; mother-in-law, Rita D. Pezzulla of Timonium, Md.; brothers-in-law and wives, John M. and Hope W. Pezzulla of Parkton, Md., and James S. and Ann M. Pezzulla of Timonium, Md.; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was also predeceased by his father-in-law, Kenneth D. Pezzulla. The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at Pritts Funeral Home and Chapel, 412 Washington Road, Westminster, Md. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 5125 Grandview Road, Hanover. Officiating will be Father Stephen P. Kelley. Interment will be private and at a later date. Please make memorial contributions to the Jeffrey F. Ritter Memorial Fund, for his daughter Emily's college education, c/o PNC Bank, 1416 Baltimore St., Hanover, PA 17331. Online condolences may be sent to www.prittsfuneralhome.com

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Published by Evening Sun on Oct. 20, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Jeffrey Ritter

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Mike Ritter

November 16, 2013

Jeff's family appreciates all those who have taken time to reflect on how his life touched on yours during his all too brief time with us.

Jeff's compassion, concern, and caring are evident in the memories you have shared. In turn, each of you made his life more interesting and fulfilling.

On behalf of Jeff's family, thanks to each of you for your expressions of support, sympathy, and friendship. We look forward to being with him again in another time and place.

October 28, 2013

The membership of the 4th North Carolina Infantry, Inc. express their deep sense of loss with the passing of Jeff. Although his illness kept him from a lengthy stay in our organization, his contribution was outstanding. He was the regimental clerk for the 125th Gettysburg and served with distinction. His kindness went a long way and he will be terribly missed. Thank God people like him livie among us.

Bob and Sharon Nobles

October 27, 2013

We are so deeply sorry for your loss. We saw Mr. Ritter at Carroll Primary Care, and he was such a wonderful person. He will be truly missed.

Carol Pickett

October 26, 2013

I'm so very sorry. No one can prepare us for the loss; it comes like a swift wind. Please take comfort in knowing that Jeff is now resting in the arms of our Lord. My deepest condolences to you and your family.

Julia, Keith, Philip Requard

October 25, 2013

We were so sorry to learn of Jeff's passing. We remember him being such a kind and loving man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, your girls, and family.

Dana Roe

October 25, 2013

Anita,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I just heard the terrible new today. I am praying for you and your daughters as you grieve. Please call me anytime or for anything. Love and peace to you and your family.

October 25, 2013

Our condolences to the family, friends, and co-workers. VNA of Hanover and Spring Grove

Brian & Jo Fitzgerald

October 24, 2013

Jeff listened completely. He was the most caring and sincere health practitioner that both my husband and I were blessed to have in our life. My husband suffered for months, until we finally went to Jeff, he LISTENED to what we said ... because of Jeff, my husband finally was given a diagnosis that validated his symptoms for over 6 months. Two doctors wrote him off as being "depressed" ... I said to Jeff, he is not depressed, there is something wrong ... Jeff listened, and we began our road to recovery. My husband cherishes the memory of being Jeff's last patient at CPC. Thank you Jeff, you have been one of the few healthcare professionals I have ever trusted. We were blessed to have you in our life. Thank you again Jeff. You will live forever in our hearts. Our condolences to your wife, your kids and your family. This world is a better place, thanks to Jeff.

Linda Ibex

October 24, 2013

My husband and I both met Jeff at CPC several years ago and always asked to see him. We then followed him to spring grove. Jeff cared about people, spending the extra time to show it by making the visit feel like you were going to see a friend. We'll never find another care giver to fill his shoes. He will be missed by many!

Luigi Coppola

October 24, 2013

My partner and I were at visitation last night
Listening to the Priest talk ,though made us feel like we were sorry that we didn't know this kind and caring man better.
I know that he is in heaven now and will watch over his grieving family from now on.

October 23, 2013

I'm so sorry to hear about Jeff's passing,I'm David Zink's sister and knew Jeff well as we were growing up across the street.

Ruth Shaffer

October 23, 2013

Anita and family I am so saddened to hear about your loss. Such a small world we were in Rotary together and then I had met your husband at Spring Grove Family Care! God has chosen another very special person and I feel blessed to have known him for such a short period of time. Deepest sympathy to you and your family, Ruth Shaffer and family.

October 23, 2013

My deepest sympathy to the entire family. Jeff was an extremely kind and caring man. from the blevins family he allways told us to stand strong. he was my husband dennis doctor for a long time he will be missed very much. thoughts and pray fro are family to yours.

October 23, 2013

My deepest sympathy to the entire family. Jeff was an extremely kind and caring man. from dennis and donna and daisey. all ways told us to stand strong. he was always there and help us out with ever think. he will be missed. he was my husband doctor for along time.

Allison Campbell

October 23, 2013

Anita,

I had no idea that Jeff Ritter was your husband. I have worked with you at Belk and enjoyed your company the few times that we worked together. My husband and I loved when Jeff Ritter was at CPC and used him as our first go-to whenever we needed medical care. He was the most sincere and caring doctor that we have ever known, and were so sad when he moved away several years ago. I feel so badly that I did not know he was your husband and that he was so ill. I pray that God will comfort you and your daughters and give you the strength that you need each day. Know that he was loved by many and that you will be in our prayers.

Sincerely,

Allison Campbell

Alan Ven Douern

October 23, 2013

Anita,
I am so, so sorry. I pray for your comfort and peace in the days and weeks ahead. You should be so proud of the lives Jeff touched. Just by reading these online messages it is so obvious the impact he had on the folks that knew him. My condolences to you, Katie, and your entire family.

Carolyn Haff

October 23, 2013

Jeff was my doctor in Westminster for a number of years and was the very best medical person I ever met. I am so sad to know that he is gone and I offer my deepest sympathy to his family. He was a dear person with an unfailing good attitude and abundant kindness, a wonderful sense of humor, and unending compassion. He will be missed.

Pat & Isaac Slater

October 23, 2013

To the family of Jeff Ritter: Jeff was truly an angel here on earth. He was the kindess, sweetest man I have ever known in the Medical field. He loved helping people. He saved my husband's life with his quick assessment of his illness. He dianosed that my husband had cancer and sent him right away to a specialist. The list goes on and on about his love for people. My family loved Jeff. We missed him so much when he left CPC. He was the best. May God comfort you in your time of grief. RIP Jeff. We love you!

diane beall

October 23, 2013

to great person and wonderful doctor, he will be missed by many.may god be with you.

Mike/Margie Dellospedale

October 23, 2013

Our deepest sympathy to his family.We're so sorry to hear of Jeff's passing. He was a great family doctor's assistant. He took care of most of our family (Margie's mom, aunts, uncles, cousins and us) when he was in Westminster. He will be greatly missing.

Terry Barrick

October 23, 2013

Jeff saved my husband's life in 2001. He saw something the cardiologist did not and sent my husband to the hospital 911 from CPC and he was flown to Sinai. He had a deadly aortic dissection but was saved because of Jeff's action. Compassionate, patient, kind, intelligent. He was the best CPC had to offer. My extended family was very sad to hear of his untimely loss. His family should be immensely proud of him. My sympathies to them.

Linda Thompson

October 22, 2013

Jeff was the kind of person I could only hope to be. My heart cries at the loss of an exceptional doctor and most important.....a friend. He was there whenever someone was in need yet he never complained about his own discomforts. My life was saved a year ago by this amazing person. I will be forever grateful. Jeff's tender heart and caring hands touched so many lives. May you rest in peace my friend.

October 22, 2013

With Deepest Sympathy
Dr Ali Dr Tshibaka and Dr Gordon

Dora & Michael Rettig

October 22, 2013

We are so very sorry to hear of Mr. Jeff's passing. He was a wonderful person who will be missed by many. Our condolences to his family.

Bobby & Angie Woolfenden

October 22, 2013

So sorry to here of Jeff's passing..He made you feel like you were best friends and could talk about anything...always took the time to go over your issues...My family will miss him deeply...

Amos, Karen, Amanda, Bryan, Anastasia Corp/Tawney

October 22, 2013

We are so sad to hear of Dr. Jeff's passing. He was so caring and compassionate with my entire family, especially our youngest who suffers from Muscular Dystrophy. He always had time to listen and no question was ever "dumb" to him. Jeff was so proud of his family, especially the girls...he loved you all dearly. We certainly are going to miss him. May God give you comfort and strength and hold you tightly through this difficult time. Rest Easy Dr. Jeff and thank you for all you gave to your patients ?

Elaine Kempler

October 22, 2013

Most sincerest sympathy to Jeff's family. I worked with Jeff. He was a great boss and friend. His patients loved how compassionate he was and how he always took the time to listen.

Lois Carr

October 22, 2013

My heart and prayers go out to the family.

Mary Jo Bolger

October 21, 2013

We are so sorry to hear of Jeff's passing. May the Lord hold you close during this time, and may He welcome Jeff home. Our love and prayers- Terry, Mary Jo, and Sharon

Belinda Cherry

October 21, 2013

My deepest sympathy to the entire family. Jeff was an extremely kind and caring man. God truly blessed each and everyone of us who had ever met Jeff. He will be deeply missed.

Christy Lucas

October 21, 2013

I spoke with Jeff at Emily's dance recital last spring. He was always so happy to see me and spoke such wonderful words about our school. Whenever I saw him he had a smile on his face! I am so sorry for your loss. Jeff will always hold a special place in my heart - he was so proud of his family!

Debbie Keelan

October 21, 2013

I had the pleasure to work with Jeff several years ago. Jeff was truly caring, his heart overflowed with compassion. God Bless his family through this difficult time. The world truly lost a giant of a man.

Amy Martin, CRNP

October 21, 2013

So Sorry for your loss. The medical community will surely miss him.

Mary Henry

October 21, 2013

I was so saddened when I saw this in the paper. My deepest sympathy goes out to his entire family. Jeff Ritter was a kind and caring P.A. who always made time for his patients. He will be missed by many. May he rest in peace.

Tina Greene

October 21, 2013

Dr. Ritter will be missed. He was my doctor when he was at CPC and when he left there I followed him to Spring Grove Pa. He was such a good doctor. He will be missed.

Spring Grove Family Care Center

October 21, 2013

Jeff was a great clinician, a great man and a great friend. He always focused on the bright side of life. We consider ourselves blessed to have known Jeff and to have had the pleasure of working with him. He will be missed.

dennis myers

October 21, 2013

I am so very saddened to hear of Jeff's passing. He was an exceptional human being- compassionate, kind, nurturing,respectful, and patient. I had the great fortune and honor to work along side Jeff in our medical practice. He was a diligent, inciteful, and comprehensive practitioner from whom I learned much and whose 'style' I continue to ty and emulate. Those fortunate to have known him will feel his loss. I send my deepest condolences to his family.

Peggy Sue Fields

October 21, 2013

Omg he's was so so caring and a great Dr. He came to my house to see if I needed him to take something to my very sick husband that was in north hospital in Baltimore he was like one of our best friends and also came to my husbands veiwing when he passed yes indeed a very good man he will truley be missed

Angela Nazay

October 20, 2013

So sorry to hear of Jeff's passing. He was a very kind and compassionate man. He took great care of my son and I at Spring Grove family care.

October 20, 2013

Mr Ritter was such on wonderful man. When my son was having emotional problems he would talk to him. I found so much comfort talking to him and he was always there to listen to our health concerns. Sorry about your loss and you all will be in my prayers.

October 20, 2013

I am so shocked and saddened over the passing of Mr. Ritter. I was a patient at CPC and would only see Mr.Ritter. He always took the time to address all concerns, there was never a time you felt he was rushing you out the door. I deeply appreciated his willingness to be open to my input regarding my care. I also enjoyed our conversations regarding antiques. A good man... kelli corey

Rajani Tadimalla

October 20, 2013

So sorry for the loss. Jeff was one of the sweetest, caring and compassionate person I have known. He was dedicated to taking care of his patients and was a wonderful provider. His patients loved him and I enjoyed working with him.

Terri Fields

October 20, 2013

I had the great honor of working with Jeff many years ago and I considered him a dear friend. He was the kindest, most caring man I've ever know. I will think of you often and smile, Jeff.

Theresa Keating

October 20, 2013

We are so sorry for your loss. Jeff took very good care of our family. May our dear Lord comfort you all during this time of sadness.

Wayne & Laurie Steele and Leon Beck

October 20, 2013

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Brenda & James Wilson

October 20, 2013

So sorry to hear of such a sweet and loving person has passed. He will be truly missed by so many lives he touch. I'm thankful for having known him.

Jennifer Isherwood

October 20, 2013

One of my Grandma's favorite doctors. He had such a gentle way with her and a few years ago when she got really sick and didn't want to go to the hospital it was his gentle but persuasive talk with her that made her go get checked out. He was a gem in medicine, you don't see that kind of bedside manner much anymore.

Jennifer Urbain

October 20, 2013

May God hold your family in your times of sorrow. We are so sorry for your loss, and words cannot express our grief for our wonderful neighbors. We will continue to be there for you, and we hope that you can find comfort.

Nancy Crews

October 20, 2013

I am so sorry to hear of Jeff's passing. Jeff was was such a kind, compasionate person. He took wonderful care of my children at Carroll Primary. Prayers for Jeff and your family.

Vickie Doxzon

October 20, 2013

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

October 19, 2013

this is just the saddest thing...Jeff was such a kind and caring person...sorry to hear of his passing....may he rest in peace

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Memorial Events
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Oct

23

Calling hours

2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Pritts Funeral Home & Chapel P.A. - Westminster

412 Washington Road, Westminster, MD 21157

Oct

23

Calling hours

7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Pritts Funeral Home & Chapel P.A. - Westminster

412 Washington Road, Westminster, MD 21157

Oct

24

Mass of Christian Burial

11:00 a.m.

St. Joseph Catholic Church

5125 Grandview Road, Hanover, PA

Funeral services provided by:

Pritts Funeral Home & Chapel P.A. - Westminster

412 Washington Road, Westminster, MD 21157

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