Richard Louis Witte

Richard Witte (78) of Ocean Pines, Maryland, passed away at home on Sunday, March 22, 2026, after a battle with Parkinson's disease.

Born in Baltimore, Maryland, he was the son of the late Louis Charles Witte and Iris Witte (Kelbaugh).

Richard (Rich) proudly served on active duty in the United States Marine Corps from 1965 to 1969, where he was awarded several medals, including the Purple Heart.

A lifelong learner, Rich graduated from the University of Maryland in 1982 with a Bachelor of Science and later earned a Master of Science in Administration/Public Administration from Central Michigan University in 1998.

In 2003, after 32 years of dedicated public service, Rich retired as a Lieutenant from the Howard County, Maryland Police Department. Following his retirement, he and his wife, Janet, relocated to Ocean Pines, Maryland, where he spent his days enjoying the coastal life by her side.

Besides his parents, Rich was preceded in death by his son, Brian Witte; his brother, Vernon Witte; stepson, Ronald Rosensteel; nephews, Keith and Jeffrey Witte; and brother-in-law, Edward Uebel.

Rich is survived by his devoted wife and partner of 42 years, Janet Rosensteel; stepson Paul Rosensteel and his wife, Tina; stepdaughter-in-law, Jeanette Rosensteel; step-granddaughter Jennifer Hoffman and her husband, Thaddeus; step-grandson Bryan Rosensteel and his wife, Christine; his step-great-grandchildren, Elizabeth and Ronald J. Hoffman, and William Rosensteel; and sister-in-law, Mary Witte.

Celebration of Richard's life will be held in private by his family.