Robert "Bob" Harbaugh Ritter

Robert “Bob” Harbaugh Ritter

Career Air Traffic Controller -

Robert “Bob” Harbaugh Ritter, age 90, of Mechanicsburg, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on Friday, June 10, 2022.  Bob was born on Saturday, October 3, 1931, in Hagerstown, Maryland to the late Lloyd Henry Ritter and Bessie Virginia (Harbaugh) Ritter.  Bob was the widower of Marvajean “Marvie” Ruth (Poffenberger) Ritter, whom he married on June 16, 1956, and who died on December 31, 2018.  In addition to his parents and wife, Bob is preceded in death by his brother, Lloyd Ritter, and his two sisters, Betty Tilley and Jean Kramer.

Bob’s survivors include his son, Timothy “Tim” John Ritter of Millersburg; his daughter, Tammy Ann Murray and her husband, Jay, of Mechanicsburg; his three granddaughters: Bethany Murray, Emily Murray and Emma Ritter; and his loving canine companion, Prisse.

Bob proudly served as an air traffic controller, in England, during the Korean Conflict from 1951-1955, as a member of the United States Air Force.  After four years of military service, Bob joined the FAA as an air traffic controller and served an additional 34 years until his retirement.  Bob was a long-time and active member of Saint Peter Lutheran Church in Mechanicsburg.  He cut the church’s lawn for years and loved making chocolate eggs every Easter Season.

All are welcome to join Bob’s family at his viewing on Monday, June 20, 2022, from 11:00 a.m. until time of service beginning at 12:30 p.m. Both the viewing and service will be held at Saint Peter Lutheran Church, 130 Nittany Drive, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055; The Reverend Alex Martini will be officiating the service.  Bob’s family invites everyone to join them for a time of food and fellowship at his church immediately following the service.  Everyone is invited to attend Bob’s graveside service and burial on Tuesday, June 21, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. in Rest Haven Cemetery, 1601 Pennsylvania Avenue, Hagerstown, MD 21742.

The family sends their most heartfelt thanks to all of Bob’s caregivers and everyone at Homeland at Home Hospice who so lovingly cared for him during his illness.  Contributions in celebration of Bob’s life can be made to Homeland at Home Hospice, 2300 Vartan Way, Suite 115, Harrisburg, PA 17110, www.HomelandatHome.org/Donate or Saint Peter Lutheran Church, 130 Nittany Drive, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055, www.StPeterMechanicsburg.com.

Bob’s family has entrusted his care to Buhrig Funeral Home & Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Bob’s full obituary, view his memorial video and portrait, offer condolences and sympathy, share stories and memories, upload photographs and videos, light a candle and sign his official guest book by visiting Buhrig.com.