Thomas A. "Tom" Ritter

Thomas A. "Tom" Ritter, age 89, of North East, passed away on Wednesday, April 16, 2025. He was born on July 15, 1935, in Waterford, Pennsylvania, the son of the late Michael B. and Marie (Bunce) Ritter.
Tom graduated from Academy High School in 1953 and went on to earn a Bachelor's Degree in History from Gannon University in 1967. He later completed a Master's Degree in Guidance from Edinboro University. Tom also served in the U.S. Naval Reserves for 10 years.
In 1960, Tom married Mary Ann Donovan of Erie, PA. Together, they raised two daughters. Tom worked as a guidance counselor in the Wattsburg School District for 31 years, where he made a lasting impact on the lives of many students.
A passionate Bridge player and member of the Erie Bridge Club, Tom also had a deep interest in Civil War and World War II history. He and Mary Ann were devoted members of St. Patrick's Parish and cherished their winters in Florida. One of their greatest joys was taking their grandchildren on trips to New York City, where they shared many Broadway shows and early- morning ice cream sundaes. In his later years, Tom was deeply grateful for the loving care provided by his daughter Jenny.
In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary Ann Ritter; siblings Billy Martin, Clem Martin, Dorothy Crock, Miriam Swenky, Geraldine Baker, Joanne Ritter, Gerald Ritter, and Robert "Skip" Ritter.
He is survived by his daughters, Jennifer Ritter and Dr. Julie Ritter-Welzant (Victor); and his cherished granddaughters, Maria and Caroline Welzant of Baltimore. He is also survived by siblings Sally McCallion (Robert), Michael Ritter (Joann), Richard "Butch" Martin, and sister- in-law Mary Ritter.
Friends are invited to call at Brugger Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1595 West 38th Street, on Friday, April 25, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., and to attend a Funeral Mass on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. at St. Patrick Church, 130 East 4th Street. Private burial will follow at Trinity Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Gannon University in Tom's memory.