Obituary of Edward John Ritter
Edward Ritter, 99, passed away peacefully on March 3, 2026, in Flemington, NJ.
Born on May 31, 1926, in Brooklyn, Edward was the beloved son of Peter and Marie Ritter. Growing up in New York shaped much of who he would become, including his lifelong love of baseball. He was a devoted fan of the New York Mets, faithfully following the team even before they were known by that name. He treasured attending games, cheering from the stands, and sharing in the camaraderie and excitement of fellow fans.
Edward attended the prestigious Regis High School, an all-boys Catholic Jesuit in Manhattan on a scholarship. A school known for accepting students who demonstrated outstanding academic and leadership potential. Edward was a proud “Tin Can Sailor” a nickname for U.S. Navy sailors who served aboard destroyers, historically known for their thin, unarmored hulls. These sailors operated fast, agile, and often vulnerable ships, earning a reputation for toughness, camaraderie, and intense, close- quarters combat. His naval career consisted of mapping out routes on pivotal boards plotted routes on clear, glass-topped plotting boards or tables. These boards were critical for anti- submarine warfare, tracking both the friendly fleet and enemy targets simultaneously to plan interceptions.
Edward built a long and successful career in the insurance industry. He dedicated more than 30 years to Royal Globe Insurance Company, where his strong work ethic and steady presence
earned the respect of colleagues and clients alike. He later continued his career with Crum & Forster in Morristown, where he eventually retired.
Edward married the love of his life, Helen, and together they built a beautiful life centered on faith, family and community. They made their home in Denville, where they raised their four adopted children and became part of a warm and supportive community. Edward took great pride in his role as a husband, father, and later grandfather, always offering steady guidance, quiet strength, and unwavering love.
A man of faith and service, Edward was also a proud member of the Knights of Columbus, finding fellowship and purpose in its mission and values. He was also a member and lector for many years at his hometown church St. Mary’s in Denville, NJ.
Edward will be remembered for his deep devotion to his family, his loyalty to his friends, his dedication to his work, and his enduring love of baseball. His long life was a testament to commitment, kindness, and the simple joys of cheering for a team he loved and gathering with those he held dear.
He leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories that will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He is survived by his children, Gerard and his wife, Elsa, Stephen and his wife, Stefanie, Patricia and her husband Brad, and his grandchildren, Shawnna, Colin, Rowan, Patricia, and Robert. He is also survived by his great grandchildren Alysse, Devlyn, and Aurora Edward, and Gavin and great-great grandchildren Cody and Bode.
Edward now reunites with those who passed before him; his beloved wife, Helen Ritter (Nies), his daughter, Christine, and his parents, Peter and Marie Ritter (Deak).
A funeral mass will be held for Edward on Saturday, March 14, at 10 AM at St. Mary's Church, 15 Myers Ave, Denville, NJ 07834. Please use this page to leave a condolence, share a memory, or light a candle to continue to let Edward’s light shine!
