Mr. Robert C. Ritter, age 83, of 1408 Bald Eagle Avenue, Tyrone died Thursday, June 26, 2003 at 7 a.m. at his home. He was born August 23, 1919 in Altoona, the son of James R. Ritter and was raised in the home of his sister and her husband, Ruth and Edgar Wertz of Tyrone. On January 8, 1944 at the Seminole United Methodist Church, Tampa, FL he was married to Helen F. Nestlerode who survives. Also surviving are a son and a daughter – James R. (Barbara), Fairfax, VA and Joyce Ann, wife of Gary Burwell of Culpepper, VA; two granddaughters – Michelle, wife of Brett Nungesser of Warrenton, VA and Tracy, wife of Scott Salzer of Casselberry, FL; five great grandchildren – Tyler and Jacklyn Nungesser, and Zackary, James and Rachael Salzer.
Mr. Ritter was a member of Christ United Methodist Church. He was a graduate of Tyrone High School Class of 1940. He had been employed by Witmer Construction of State College, retiring in 1981. He was a member of the Sheridan Troop after which he entered the U. S. ArmyAir Corps and was serving at Hickam Field, Hawaii at the time of the Pearl Harbor attack on December 7, 1941. He later served in the Central Pacific, Guadalcanal, New Guinea, Northern Solomons, Bismarch Archipelago and Eastern Mandates. He received the Pearl Harbor Medal, the American Defense Medal with one Bronze Star, and the Asiatic Pacific Service Medal with six Bronze Stars. He was a life member and Past Commander of Anderson Denny Post #4559 V.F.W., Howard Gardner Post #281 American Legion, B.P.O.E. #212, Blazing Arrow Hook and Ladder Fire Company and 11th Bomb Group Association.
Funeral service for Mr. Ritter will be held Monday, June 30, 2003 at 11 a.m. at the Richard H. Searer Funeral Home Inc. with Reverend Dr. Dennis Reedy officiating followed by flag presentation. Interment will be made in Blair Memorial Park. Friends may call at the funeral home on Sunday from 7 to 9 p.m. where there will be an Elks Memorial Service. Contributions in his memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1004 N. Juniata Street, Hollidaysburg, PA 16648.
