Harwood Hugo Ritter II

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University of Delaware

Harwood Ritter Obituary

RITTER II, Harwood Hugo, Our dad died late in the morning, Friday, November 3rd, at Henrico Doctors Hospital in Richmond, VA. He was 87.

His full name was Harwood Hugo Ritter II, but nearly everyone called him "Woody".

Dad was born December 19th, 1935, to Harwood Hugo Ritter, M.D. and Ruth Bosworth Fox, in Baltimore, MD.

He lived in Charleston, West Virginia with his parents and older sister, "Noodie", for a brief period before moving to Elkins, WVA following the death of his/their mother. Sadly, his father also died early, when Woody was just a teenager. Despite a challenging childhood, Woody and Noodie emerged with many happy memories - one of our dad's great gifts was his sense of humor.

Dad was a champion of the arts, and he loved writers ranging from Graham Greene to Maurice Sendak and artists from Rembrandt to... Maurice Sendak. Dad was a talented artist in his own right, and used drawings to help communicate his ideas on a daily basis. Since our dad was a passionate artist, it also made sense that he loved all things Italian, primarily Italy. He loved movies, theater and, later in life, became wildly appreciative of music (especially, guitarist Tommy Emmanuel), hosting a yearly "musicale" for many years called 'The Big Feed'. The annual party was much anticipated and was his opportunity to bring together his family and friends.

Dad wore many hats. He worked as a newspaper staff artist in Huntington, WVA, drove a hearse with his friend Miles, was an army MP, worked as an illustrator for NASA in the '60s, was an art professor at the University of Delaware, ran his own ad agency, curated the Virginia Museum's mobile exhibit, and worked in marketing & communications for Ethyl Corp. and Virginia Power.

He is survived by: Nissen Ritter, Noel Ritter, David Ritter, Nick Harwood Cohen, Greer Cohen, Miles Cohen, Miles Dawkins, Sunny Ritter, Liza Graham, his sister Ruth "Noodie" Runner, John Runner, Erik Runner, Michael Runner, Charles "Chuck" Ritter, Karen Ritter, Lucy and Scooter.

Good night, sweet dreams, God bless you, we love you.

We'll miss you, Dad.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Richmond Times-Dispatch on Nov. 19, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Harwood Ritter

5 Entries

Dave Winnerling

August 4, 2025

I studied Illustration with Prof. Ritter at the U.of Delaware from !974 -1976.
He was really like a father to me. All of us students would go hang out in his office he was just that COOL He was the most inspirational Teacher I have ever had.

Betsy

September 30, 2024

I am sorry for your loss. I was just thinking about the Ritter family and came across this notice. I always think of your family when I get bacon on a pizza.What a long and lovely life. Best wishes and over due condolences,
Betsy Henry

Penelope (Jackson) Parker

April 27, 2024

I have only just heard of Woody's death. He was a great influence on my life and career. As well as being the Head of Graphic Design at the University of Delaware, his belief in my abilities and his sharp-edged encouragement gave me the confidence to strike out on my own and move to London, UK, after a summer working for him with Mark Deshon following graduation.
I am still using the skills he taught me as a typographer, designer and adventurous creator. I am glad that Mark got to spend time with Woody recently and reminisce.
I am sure that Woody's life after UofD was as creative and joy-filled as he could make it for his family and his friends. I will remember him with appreciation and pleasure.

Mark Deshon

April 25, 2024

Woody was my teacher, design mentor, and my first professional boss in the late 1970s. I owe much of my 43-year career as a graphic designer to him. I grew to love him as a friend. We kept in touch annually until around 2013. I hadn´t heard from him in the ensuing years, so on my way through Richmond in the winter of 2023 I stopped in and sat with him for a half hour visit. He was always full of life, with a mischievous sparkle in his eyes, and a distinctive laugh. Even in a his weakened physical state, he still had his signature sense of humor. My condolences to Woody´s family, especially to "Noodie," Nissen, Noel, and David, about whom he often talked.

Bill and Pate Mears

November 24, 2023

Liza and family, we are so sorry for the loss of Woody. He was such a special man and a thoughtful and kind neighbor. When we arrived in the neighborhood 14 years ago next week, he was one of the first people we met. He shared many wonderful stories, and your parties were extra special. A born and bred Alabama girl, his friendship meant so much to us. I had a near death experience when I was 32. I want you to know it is such a beautiful place, and you reconnect with your family, friends and your pets. I know he made it home. God bless you all and with our love and sympathy, Bill and Pate Mears

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