Howard Charles “Howie” Ritter, Jr.
July 20, 1942 - January 7, 2026
Howard Charles “Howie” Ritter, Jr., age 83, of Middletown, DE, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, January 7, 2026.
Born in Philadelphia, PA on July 20, 1942, he was the son of the late Howard Charles Sr. and Edith (Walls) Ritter. Howie graduated from John Bartram High School where he excelled in basketball. He then enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Reserve. Howie made many dear friends from his time at Bell Telephone/Verizon, while continuing to maintain friendships he made in his childhood.
Howie was an avid Philadelphia sports fan. He looked forward to supporting his son who coaches Football for Howard High School of Technology. As a proud grandfather, Howie enjoyed watching and cheering on his grandsons’ sports activities. He loved hosting crabbing events, summer pool celebrations, and many different reunions throughout the fall and winter seasons with his loving wife.
In addition to his parents, Howard was preceded in death by his wife, Elaine Ewing Ritter; sisters, Lorraine Burns, Joan Gray, and Violet Heilenman; and daughter, Lynn Ritter. He is survived by his son, Dan Ritter and his wife Georgia with whom he lived in Middletown; grandsons, Cade and Clayton Ritter; honorary in-laws, Amy and Tom Whetham; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and a host of dear friends.
Visitation for family and friends will be held from 8:30 am until 10 am on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 275 East Main Street, Middletown, DE, where a funeral service will begin at 10 am. Interment will follow in Gracelawn Memorial Park, 2220 North DuPont Highway, New Castle, DE.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Howie’s memory to the Delaware Foundation Reaching Citizens with Intellectual DisABILITIES (DFRC), 640 Plaza Drive, Newark, DE 19702 or online by clicking here.
Ann & Mike Monroe
Georgia & Dan,
So very sorry for your great loss. Our sincerest condolences.
Ann & Mike Monroe
Sheila Calloway
Dan Georgia and family we the Powell family are deeply sorry to hear the passing of your loved one we remember seeing him at the football games all the time. Cherish the memories you hold dear of him in your hearts. With deepest sympathies
The Powell’s
Sharon Budinger
When I think of Howie, I think of laughter. Our camping trips, Christmas Eves, and just being with him. Im so sorry for your loss. Gone but never forgotten.
Sharon Blessing
Dan, Georgia and family, I am so sorry for your loss. I’ve been friends with Howie and Elaine approximately 47 years. We had the most wonderful fun times over the years. I had the opportunity this past year to go out to lunch/dinner with Howie. We always talked about the great times we had and all the funny stories about Elaine. He missed her dearly. Now he is with Elaine and Lynn and hopefully happy, at peace and no more pain. He had a great long life. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. With sincere sympathy, Sharon and Mark Blessing
Amy whetham
Howie leaves a wonderful legacy of love! We loved him and will always cherish his memory.
Love you georgia, Dan and cade and Clayton
From his oldest daughter in love❤️
Jean Geyer
My deepest sympathy to Howard’s family during this time.
I had the pleasure of working with Howard in the Mail Room at 1835 Arch Street for years. He was a pleasant and fun loving guy.
Matt, Eileen, & Sean Montgomery
Dan, Georgia, and family,
Those we love don’t go away. They walk beside us everyday.
With deepest sympathy and in friendship,
Eileen, Sean, & Matty Mont
Adam
I’m so sorry for your loss Dan & Georgia. My thoughts and prayers are with you and Cade and Clayton. Loved Uncle Howie and Aunt Elaine tons and now they are together again.