Jake O Rittlinger
Jake O Rittlinger
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Jake Rittlinger Obituary
Within the past year, Jake began working in special education with Spartanburg School District 5, a role that reflected his commitment to helping others and supporting students with diverse learning needs. Though new to the position, he approached his work with dedication, patience, and genuine care. He earned a bachelor's degree in English from Clemson University and later completed a master's degree in Special Education from Western Governors University. Outside of work, Jake had a deep love for music, especially playing guitar, which brought him joy throughout his life.
He is survived by his children, Madison Rittlinger and Irish Rittlinger; sister, Beth Rhoers; step-siblings, Elsa Hamilton and Wes Hamilton; step-dad, Ken Hamilton; aunts, Susan Popiel and Judith Krohn; uncle, David Beegle; mother of his children who helped in raising their family, Melissa Rittlinger; his furbaby, Friday; and many other cousins, nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, February 3, from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Living Waters Funeral Home & Crematory. Please note that this time may change due to forecasted inclement weather. Friends are encouraged to check with the funeral home or the obituary for updated service information.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Ari & Courtney Kittel
February 3, 2026
"He was a nice teacher." - Ari Kittel
We are so sorry for your loss. Mr. Rittlinger was so kind & we were grateful to know him. - Kittel Family
Kegan Holbrook
January 30, 2026
Thank you, Thank you for everything, helping me thru summer school, till we meet again "Burger King Man"
Kevin foster
January 30, 2026
Rest in heaven Jake. You will be missed by both the staff and students. Glad I got to meet you even if it was for a short time. I´ll miss watching you bounce down the halls of FCM, and your trademark fist bump. Until we meet again Jake from State Farm´s.
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Stacey Parris
January 30, 2026
Jake was my neighbor teacher at FCMS. Praying for his family and our faculty and students. He will be missed everyday!
Kelli Bourgeois
January 30, 2026
I met Jake when he joined our D.R.Hill family, he fit right in from the start. He always had a smile and a kind word for everyone and the kids really liked him. We worked in the same classes and enjoyed many conversations, I'm glad I got to know him and could call him my friend. He was so proud of Madison and Irish. He loved to talk about them and it was easy to see how much he loved them. He will be greatly missed. I am praying for his family and friends during this difficult time.
Jessica Mckinney
January 30, 2026
You were always there to lend a hand. So glad I got to know you. You are missed already.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace.
Melanie Tabors McCarty
January 29, 2026
Jake was part of my induction group with Spartanburg District Five. I barely knew him, but I have a clear memory of how he tried to make everyone feel special during our presentations. He went above and beyond to make people smile at our meetings, and he always smiled himself. I wish I got the chance to know him better. The world lost a light that shined brighter than all others.
Brandon Haskins
January 29, 2026
Good man. Great friend, BINGO!
Until we meet again, Riggs.
Love and prayers.
- Haskins aka Murtaugh
Dami Oles
January 29, 2026
Praying for the family and his students!! My son really enjoyed having him. Mr R helped him tremendously with his IEP. He will be missed!
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529 Spartanburg Hwy. S. PO BOX 758, Lyman, SC 29365
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