Richard Hartley "Dick" Ritter

Richard "Dick" Hartley Ritter, Sr., 76, of Vineland, passed away peacefully at his home with his loving family around him on Tuesday, September 9th, 2025 after a brief battle with cancer.
Born on February 27th, 1949 to, Earl "Brick" Ritter and Lois Hartley Ritter, where he grew up in their hometown of Weatherly, PA. Richard, best known for his nickname, Dick, had a successful basketball career with his high school, Weatherly High. In 2014, Dick was inducted in Weatherly High School's 23rd Annual Hall of Fame.
After college, Richard moved to New Jersey to pursue a few careers before deciding to be an over the road truck driver in which he retired from SJ Transportation Inc., in Woodstown, NJ on October 16th, 2019. His car salesman career at Ford in Elmer, NJ in the late 1980s led him to meet the love of his life, Betty. Rich and Betty were married on October 5th, 1991 and built a very loving, and strong foundation for our family. Their wedding song, "I Owe You", by Lee Greenwood was one of his favorite songs. Betty was his heart and he made sure he gave her a great life. Richard was also an avid Philadelphia sports fan, supporting the Philadelphia Phillies and his favorite, the Philadelphia Eagles, where he was able to see them win two Super Bowls. He also loved watching college basketball and NASCAR. Rich also enjoyed his favorite pizza in Hazleton, PA, at Senape's Tavern Pitza along with their birch beer.
He is survived by; his loving wife of 33 years, Betty; his daughters, Jennifer Smith, Annette Coggins, and Kalyn Adams (Rick); his sons, Jack Sawyers and Richard Ritter, Jr. (Mikaela), who was his strength and gave him the strength to keep going; his sister, Dr. Sandra Ritter Grand; his grandchildren, Casey, Alicia, Kevin (Emily), Megan, Amanda, Hayley (Garrett), Jessica (Dylan), Gracie (Seth), Matt and Alexia Jade; his great-grandchildren, Kaden, Nathan, Lincoln, Jack and another great grandson on the way; his nephew, Chris Hawkins; his loving pet companions, Stripes, Medusa and Obi, who all loved laying on his lap getting their hair brushed; and many nieces and cousins. Richard was preceded in death by; his father, Earl "Brick" Ritter; his mother, Lois Smith; his stepfather, Harry Smith; and his nephew, Alex Hawkins.
Funeral services will be held at the PADGETT FUNERAL HOME, 1107 State Highway 77, Upper Deerfield Twp. on Saturday, September 20th at 12 NOON. Friends will be received at the funeral home from 10AM to 12 NOON prior to the service. Interment will take place at Olivet Cemetery in Pittsgrove Twp. following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations in his name may be made to Studio B Dance Center, 87 S. Blue Bell Rd., Vineland, NJ 08360 as he enjoyed watching his granddaughter Alexia dance on stage. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Richard Hartley "Dick" Ritter, please visit our floral store.