Leo "David" Ritter, Jr.

Leo David “Pappy” Ritter, Jr., age 81, died peacefully with his family by his side at Charlotte Hall Veterans Home on Saturday, June 7, 2014. Mr. Ritter died of natural causes. Born October 14, 1932 in Washington D.C., to Leo & Sara Ritter, he graduated from Gonzaga College High School in 1950, and earned an undergraduate Degree in Pre-Medicine from Georgetown University. David served in Army from 1955-1957, attaining the rank of 2nd Lieutenant. He earned his law degree from Catholic University Columbus School of Law and joined the Bar in 1961. On January 20, 1968, he married W. Jane Ritter in Washington DC. Law Offices, L. David Ritter were established in 1969 and was located next door to the courthouse in Upper Marlboro. David practiced law for nearly 50 years and retired in 2009. He and his wife lived in the Marlton community in Upper Marlboro and raised a family of six children.Pappy was an active member of numerous Catholic parishes. Over the years, he attended Holy Family Catholic Church in Mitchellville, Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Forestville and most recently, Jesus the Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Dunkirk. He was a member of the Maryland Staten Bar Association and was very active in local Democratic politics. He co-founded the Catholic Business Network of Prince Georges County, whose mission is to raise funds to send children to Catholic schools. Pappy will be especially remembered for his numerous initiatives. As an enthusiastic pilot & aircraft owner, he was central in efforts to bring an airport to PG County. David spearheaded the “Keep Marlboro Country” campaign that included efforts to bury telephone lines. David was very involved with his children’s swimming. He helped launch high school swimming in PG County public schools and at Gonzaga College High School.Survivors include his wife, Jane Ritter and his sister Patricia Hanrahan. His surviving children include Susan Flaesch & husband Jon, Lee Ritter & wife Gina, Allison Ritter, Gretchen Ritter & husband Todd Eagan, Chris Ritter & wife Suzanne, Tim Ritter and wife Kristin and his grandchildren; Tracey Lerminiaux, Brittany Stoltzfus, Jeffrey Flaesch, Mandy Ritter, Nicholas Bugliarelli, Joseph Bugliarelli, Emma Gould, Henry Gould, Leo Ritter, Logan Ritter, Dorothy Ritter, Sarah Ritter. David was preceded in death by his parents, Leo & Sara Ritter, and his sister, Gretchen Klosky.Memorial contributions may be made to Catholic Business Network of Prince Georges County, PO Box 615, Lanham, MD, 20703-0615 - (202) 656-1804 (www.cbnpg.org) To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Leo "David" Ritter, Jr. please visit our Sympathy Store.