Wayne Edward Ritter

Wayne Edward Ritter of Centreville MD, beloved husband, father, and friend, departed from this world on June 15th, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, and cherished memories. He was 73 years old. Born on May 4th, 1951, he was the son of the late Grace Radcliff & John Ritter, and step-dad Marvin Davis. Wayne grew up on the Eastern Shore of Maryland where he developed a passion for hunting & fishing, sport clay shooting, playing both football & baseball, and eventually coaching his own softball team “Ritters’ Hitters”. After graduating from Queen Anne’s County High School in 1969, he joined the US Air Force and pursued a career as a professional HVAC facilities engineer, working for Dover Air Force base, Andrews Air Force base and eventually finishing his career at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport. Wayne would later retire in 2005, and after obtaining his CDL license he would work the next 18 years as a county bus driver for Queen Annes. Wayne enjoyed this work the most, as he would drive the local high schools sports teams to all of their away games. He became very close with all the coaches and players and would sometimes surprise them with his ability to squeeze such a large bus into a tiny parking spot. Wayne met the love of his life Rita and her two year old son Brian in 1995. The two would eventually tie the knot on June 6th 1998. Wayne, Rita and Brian then moved to Centreville MD that same year and have been there ever since. Family was the cornerstone of Wayne’s life. Wayne recently celebrated 26 years of marriage with Rita, his devoted wife and partner in all things. Together, they raised their son Brian. He took immense pride in their accomplishments and found joy in their successes. Those who knew Wayne will remember him for his selflessness towards others, quick witted sense of humor, and always putting his family first. Whether he was spending the morning crabbing, in a goose blind, or volunteering as a grief retreat counselor at Camp New Dawn, he approached everything with enthusiasm and a positive spirit that inspired those around him. Wayne’s passing leaves a void in the lives of his family and friends, but his spirit lives on in the memories he created. He will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered for his impact on our community. Wayne is survived by his loving wife Rita Ritter, son Brian Mountain, and daughter-in-law Mikalya Mountain, and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his mother Grace Radcliff-Ritter, father John Ritter, step-father Marvin Davis, and sisters Jackie Miles and Estelle Ferguson. A visitation will be held on Monday, July 1, 2024, at Fellows Helfenbein and Newnam Funeral Home 408 South Liberty Street Centerville MD 21617 from 2-4pm and 6-8pm where friends and family are welcome to attend. The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at 10:00am, at Centreville Methodist Church 608 Church Hill Rd, Centreville, MD 21617 with burial to follow at Crownsville Veterans Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The American Cancer Society.

Wayne Edward Ritter

May 4, 1951 - June 15, 2024