William Alfred "Bill" Ritter

On Saturday, October 17 2026, surrounded by family and friends, William Alfred Ritter passed away. Bill, as he was known to his family and friends, was the devoted husband of Paula Ann (Naylon) Ritter for 61 years; father of Gary William Ritter and Jennifer Lynn Ritter; grandfather of Colyn Garret Ritter, Madelyn Kathleen Ritter, Evelyn Ann Ritter and Isabel Evelyn Gonzalez; beloved uncle to many; and friend who touched countless lives during his 90 years. Bill died peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of love, service, friendly competition and craftsmanship.

Born on August 16, 1936, in the small town of St. Mary's, Pennsylvania, to Bertha and Alfred Ritter, Bill learned early the values of hard work and dedication that would define his life. After serving his country with honor in the Air Force from 1955 to 1959, he made the pivotal decision to move to Cleveland in 1960—a choice that would lead him to his greatest joys.

In 1963, while building his career as a Product Design Draftsman at Oglebay Norton Company, Bill met Paula Naylon. Their courtship blossomed into a love story that lasted over six decades, beginning with their wedding on October 9, 1965. Together, they created a beautiful family. For 31 years, Bill brought his meticulous attention to detail and creative problem-solving skills to his work at Oglebay Norton, always ensuring he could provide for his beloved family while earning the respect of colleagues until his retirement in 1994.

Bill's generous spirit extended far beyond his professional life. For over a decade, he answered the call to serve his Brooklyn community as a volunteer firefighter, demonstrating the same courage and selflessness that marked his military service. He was an active member of St. Thomas More parish, where he and Paula raised their children with strong values and deep love.

Those who knew Bill remember a man who embraced life. Whether he was out on the water indulging his passion for boating, cheering on his favorite baseball team, or competing fiercely in softball, racquetball, or tennis, Bill approached every activity with enthusiasm and skill. His workshop was his sanctuary, where he created beautiful woodwork and tackled every home improvement project with the precision of a master craftsman—skills he generously shared with Gary and Jennifer in their own homes, teaching them the satisfaction of working with their hands and solving problems with creativity and persistence.

Bill was a devoted father who took immense pride in watching Gary and Jennifer grow into the successful and loving adults they have become. His patience, wisdom, and unwavering support shaped their lives, and his love for his family was evident in everything he did.

Bill is lovingly remembered by his family and the many friends whose lives he enriched with his wisdom, humor, and love. He was preceded in death by his parents Bertha and Alfred Ritter, and his siblings Helene Franko, Jane Finfinger, and Richard Ritter. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Thomas More Church, 4170 N. Amber Dr., Tuesday October 20, 2026 at 10 a.m. with visiting in church from 9-10 a.m. Interment Holy Cross Cemetery.