Larry

Forestport – Lawrence Robert Ritter, 85, of Bellingertown Road, husband of Gerry, passed away in the comfort of his home on January 24, 2023, while under the loving care of his wife, son’s Jason and Benjamin and Hospice.

I had a good life.

I was born in Forestport on January 23, 1938, and lived there my whole life. I loved my town. My parents Guy and Vera Kervin Ritter had twelve children. Times were tough and we did not have much, but we were a strong family and we got by. Our parents taught us to work hard and play hard. They taught us the love of a family was important. They taught us to be honest, hardworking people and to love our country and God. They taught us to enjoy nature. I worked hard to do all of these things.

I have often said the best thing I ever did was marry my wife Gerry. We had 51 beautiful years. I wish we had done more to enjoy life, but the last few years that was hard to do. We had the best family life and just enjoyed being home. I am so proud of my sons Jason and Ben and all they have accomplished in life. I always say they got their brains from their mother and she would say they inherited their strong work ethic from me. It broke our hearts when our daughter Becky passed away in 2010. She had such strength and a loving heart. We still miss her every day.

Jason and his wife Sara blessed us with three grandchildren who mean a lot to me. Autumn, Ian, and Lauren were able to provide me with so many memorable times and a new purpose in life. I enjoyed every minute with them. My one regret is I am not going to be able to see them all grown up and graduate from high school and college. I am so proud of them.

I always liked to work outside and as Gerry would say “play in the dirt.” Working hard, building roads, planting a garden, puttering around my house was what I enjoyed. I often said” There is a right way, a wrong way, and a Ritter way” to do things. I did them the Ritter way.

I had many friends over the years. Many have already passed away but I enjoyed the good times we had over the years. I had a good life.

Affectionately known as Larry, he was a 1957 graduate of Forestport High School. He had a very successful career as a heavy equipment operator for IUOE, Local #158, Syracuse, and worked all over the north east in road, pipeline, and bridge construction. Larry was united in marriage with Geraldine Jones on December 11, 1971 at St. Patrick’s Church, Forestport. Very civic oriented, he served his town as a member of the Town Board for 16 years, as well as an additional 16 years on the Planning Board. He was instrumental in the development and implementation of the Forestport Youth Athletic Association. He enjoyed a good political discussion, talking current events, and following the stock market on which he traded and managed his own investments. Larry was also a member of the Boonville Elks Lodge. He thoroughly enjoyed the outdoors, kayaking, hunting and fishing were his favorites. He also enjoyed practicing and sharing his Catholic faith.

Besides his wife Gerry, he is survived by his son Jason (Sara) Ritter, Underhill, VT, son Benjamin Ritter, Buffalo, grandchildren: Autumn, Ian and Lauren, Underhill, VT; one brother Basil Ritter, Forestport, Sisters-in-law: Anne Ritter, Marilyn Ritter, Rhonda Vigus, one brother-in-law: Jonathan Jones, whom he loved like his own brother, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his daughter Rebecca S. Ritter on November 13, 2010, brothers: Frederick, Ronald, Bryan, William, Robert an infant, and sisters: Euritha Bagg, Joyce Pfendler, Jane Ritter, Gail Scouten and Mary Casey.

His Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, January 27, 2023 at 1:00 pm at St. Patrick’s Church, Forestport, with Rev. Matthew Rawson officiating. Interment in the spring will be held in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Forestport. Calling hours will be held on Friday from 10:00 am until a 12 Noon Prayer Service at Trainor Funeral Home, Inc. 143 Schuyler St. Boonville. Memorial contributions may be made to Christ Our Hope Catholic Community, 108 Charles St. Boonville, NY 13309 or to Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc. 4277 Middle Settlement Road, New Hartford, NY 13413.

Following Mass there will be a luncheon and time of further visiting held at Awesome Country, 106 Park Ave. Boonville.  from 2:30-4:30 pm.  Donations of food may be dropped off on Friday from 12:00 Noon on.