Rebecca S. Ritter

Forestport - Rebecca Susan Ritter, 40, left us to be with the angels on Saturday, November 13, 2010. Rebecca had been a patient at Faxton-St. Luke's Healthcare, New Hartford, since October 6, 2010. Rebecca was the loving daughter of Larry and Gerry (Jones) Ritter, and a resident of Forestport. Prior to moving to Forestport she made her home on Caroline Street in Yorkville, and also on Prospect Street in Oneida Castle, NY. Born March 26, 1970, she graduated from Adirondack High School with the class of 1988, and from CCBI, Syracuse in 1990 with her Associates degree in Legal Studies. For the past 14 years she was employed at the Bank of New York Mellon in the Oriskany and Utica offices, a career she loved and with friends she cherished. Prior to that, she was employed by Paul K. Hatzinger, Inc., Utica, and the law offices of Durr and Riley, Boonville, John Nasto, Rome, and Coupe, Siegal, Hester, & Kahler, Utica. Rebecca's quick, sharp, wit and unique humor always brought smiles and laughter to all the fortunate people who knew her. Rebecca was emphatic and often said that she did not have a disability, that she had "abilities." This was evident when in 2007 she was recognized as "The Most Inspirational Dancer" by the United Academy of Performing Arts, Oneida, where she was a student for eight years. Her determination and accomplishments far exceeded all expectations. Rebecca loved to dance, read, do crossword puzzles, and write stories. She loved and collected ducks ever since being a little girl. Rebecca was an avid fan of the Boston Celtics, Johnny Depp and The Office. She loved playing pitch, partnered with her grandmother. She was a kind, caring and generous daughter, sister, niece, and granddaughter. She looked forward to trips to Vermont to be with her nieces and nephew whom she loved and cherished dearly. Besides her parents, Rebecca is survived by two brothers, Dr. Jason Ritter and his wife, Sara of Underhill, VT, and Benjamin Ritter, a student at the University of Buffalo Law School; her maternal grandmother, Betty Esch; two nieces, Autumn Ritter and Lauren Ritter; a nephew, Ian Ritter whom she loved dearly; a special Aunt Rhonda and Ken Vigus; special Uncle Jon Jones and his companion, Lacey Dolan; Uncle Basil Ritter, Aunt Marilyn Ritter, Aunt Gale and Peter Scouten; special Aunt Anne and William Ritter; special cousin Elaine and Doug Hasty and sons Wyatt and Zane; special cousin Tonya Brown and companion Adam Daktor and son Jack; special cousin Kim Ritter Shearer; special cousins Tasha, Ashley and Rory Ritter and many other cousins and extended family. Her cousin Elaine has been a compassionate source of strength and support for the family during this difficult time. Rebecca was blessed with many loving and caring friends: Molly Gibbons, who was so supportive and compassionate during Becky's recent illness and her many friends and co-workers at Bank of NY Mellon: Sheila Shelton, Heidi Drurdam, Lindsey Rounds, Amanda Crandall, James McNally, Jan Taylor, Marie O'Breja, Heather Graniero and Carol Turi. She also had a special step cousin, David Esch, who was a loving friend. In addition, she leaves her two special feline friends, Syrrus and Sparky. A prayer service will be held Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. at Trainor Funeral Home, Inc., 143 Schuyler Street, Boonville, followed by her Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. at St. Patrick's Church, Forestport, with Rev. Donald Karlen officiating. Interment will follow in St. Patrick's Cemetery, Forestport. Visitation will be Tuesday 3-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Rebecca's family thanks the staff of the Faxton-St. Luke's ICU for their gentleness, compassion, and care given to Rebecca, and for the respect and understanding extended to her family. Memorial donations may be made to the Forestport Firefighters, Inc., Forestport, New York 13338, or to the Ronald McDonald House Charities, 1027 East Genesee Street, Syracuse, New York 13210. Please use the "Sign Guestbook" link below to leave an online message of sympathy, or to share a memory of Becky.