Edward Lee Ritter

GUILDERLAND- Edward Lee Ritter, passed away on January 19th, surrounded by his loving family. Ed was born on February 19, 1935 in Jersey Shore, PA, the son of the late Robert S. and Geraldine I. (Overdorf) Ritter. He was pre-deceased by his siblings, Robert, Paul, Natalie, Lawrence and beloved sister Anne Gaffney and brother–in-law Jack, who he lived with for many years. As a young boy, Ed's family moved to Albany, where he attended Albany City Schools. Ed was a longtime resident of Guilderland, and a lifelong Red Sox and John Wayne fan. Ed worked for the New York State Office of General Services at the State Campus for 27 years until he retired in 1995.

He enjoyed bowling, traveling and volunteering throughout the Capital District. He delivered Meals on Wheels, visited residents at a local nursing home, helped on a farm and also the USS Slater. Ed was able to connect with anyone and everyone through conversation, a smile and a hearty handshake. Ed was immensely proud of each of his nieces and nephews and their children. They were the center of his life, conversations and activity. Ed will be greatly missed, but always remembered, by his family, friends and the many people whom he touched during his lifetime. He accomplished much and gave generously throughout his lifetime, his legacy will continue. Ed was able to live out his golden years through the loving support of Wildwood Programs, in particular the staff and residents who were Ed's Zorn Road family.

Ed is also survived by his nieces and nephews, Linda Thomas, David Thomas, Elisabeth Kiose, Daniel Gaffney (Tiffani Beza-Gaffney), George Gaffney, Patricia Lanotte (Michael), Jacqueline Gaffney (Jeff Cohen), Katherine Gaffney (Erik Smith), Meg Gaffney-Smith (Chip), and Joseph Ritter (Nancy); grand-nieces, Heather, Ashley (Sean Owen), Leyla (Levi Steier), Mackenzi, Hannah, Sarah, and Lauren; grand-nephews, Joseph, Keith, Anthony, Jack, Patrick, Sean and Aidan; great-grand nieces, Summer and Mattie and cousin Virginia Overdorf.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude for the care provided by Wildwood Programs, especially the staff and residents at Zorn Road, whom Ed provided with their own special nicknames.

Calling hours will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Friday, January 29th at the McKownville United Methodist Church, 1565 Western Avenue, Westmere. A memorial service to celebrate Ed's life will be held at the McKownville United Methodist Church on Saturday, January 30th at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ed's memory to the Wildwood Foundation, 2995C Curry Road Extension, Schenectady, NY 12303.