Philip Ritter

Philip Ogden Ritter, 91, of Willow Valley Communities, moved on with fireworks on Wednesday, December 31, 2025. His life and vibrant personality are honored by his children, Susan B. DeNunzio of Lititz, PA and John S. Ritter of Philadelphia, PA, with son-in-law, Tony DeNunzio and granddaughters: Maria N. DeNunzio, Tia L. DeNunzio and Cat A. DeNunzio. Barbara R. Ritter, his wife of 59 years, passed away on May 11, 2020. They are reunited now. Phil was passionately involved with his family, community and hobbies. Phil made lifelong friends at Germantown Friends School and Trinity College in Hartford CT. As a Physics student, he was part of a team that built a cyclotron at Trinity in 1954. He married Barbara G. Ringe in Philadelphia in 1961, and together they were happy hosts for decades of family parties, church supper clubs and train collector nights. He worked for General Electric Co. Aerospace Division for 35 years as an Engineer, Test Director and Program Manager and enjoyed early retirement at 58. He was delighted to move to Willow Valley in 2005, after 45 years in Devon, Wayne and Berwyn. Throughout life he spread happiness: he was an Eagle Scout and Troop Leader, helped to found the Valley Forge Bicycle Club, helped to found the Dolphins Lay Ministry, built and ran the Train Collectors Assoc. Modular Layout program, threw and swept in the Philadelphia Curling Club, was the VP of the Phila. Chapter Pennsylvania Railroad Technical and Historical Society, and volunteered in several capacities in many other historical, scientific and arts organizations. He was able to pursue many collecting interests: coins, books, minerals, railroadiana and antique toys and trains. He was a great father – he taught us to respectfully question authority and to ask Why? He followed through on his beliefs. He encouraged exploration and curiosity. He taught us how to garden while listening to opera, how to wax a sled for maximum speed, and the fun of camping and bicycling. Also, you can always fit more in the car if you just pack it a little tighter. Phil was thrilled to be a grandpa as well. He shared the telescopes at the North Museum, floated bark boats on the stream beside his house and gave loads of Dragon Wagon rides. He shared the treasures of his basement and the thrills of the Strasburg Railroad. Although Alzheimer’s Disease greatly restricted Phil’s activity in his last decade, he continued to be loving and cheerful. He was delighted to meet new people, always had a joke, and always remembered his family. We are so very grateful to the care teams at the Glen at Willow Valley for their support and love of Phil over the years. The last visit with his family, on Christmas Eve and Day, was joyful. We know that he and Barbara are now celebrating the New Year together, and dancing. Please consider donating to the Alzheimer’s Association in memory of Phil.