Ralph F. Reittinger

Mr. Ralph Francis Reittinger, age 81, a resident of Sebastian, Florida and formerly of Utica, New York, passed away on Thursday, May 13, 2010, at the Visiting Nurses Association Hospice House, Vero Beach, Florida. His passing occurred with the love and support of his entire family and his wife and children at his side. Ralph Reittinger was born in Utica, New York, on June 17, 1928. He was the youngest of five children born to John and Katherine Trossbach Reittinger. He attended local schools, graduating from Utica Free Academy and Mohawk Valley Technical Institute (MVCC) with a degree in mechanical design. Ralph married the love of his life, Jane A. Bennett on August 24, 1950. They enjoyed a close and loving marriage for 60 years and shared their lives fully with their large and loving family. Mr. Reittinger was employed by GE Aerospace for 38 years where he worked in Engineering as a Mechanical Designer and later as a Quality Control Engineer. He was an avid outdoor enthusiast, enjoying skiing, hunting and boating and was also a past member of the Utica Sail and Power Squadron and 3rd Degree Knights of Columbus. He retired to his Adirondack lakefront home in Eagle Bay, NY, where he spent time with his family and entertained his many friends. It was there he started his “second career” making donuts and coffee for “the boys” at the J.R. Adirondack EZ Mart every morning. He took great pleasure in sharing his passion for the outdoors with his grandchildren and great grand-children. His family and friends will fondly remember his love of music and his readiness to entertain everyone with his banjo and mandolin on the front porch of his Fourth Lake home. Besides his wife, Jane, he leaves behind his sons and daughters-in-law, John and Katherine Reittinger, Utica, NY; Robert Reittinger, Esq. and Patricia Reittinger, Holland Patent, NY; and Richard Reittinger Esq. and Kristin Litts, Esq., Sebastian, FL; and his daughter Jacqueline Reittinger-Wallace and David Thomas Wallace, Jr., Marietta, GA; his cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren; his sister, Marion Hendrick; brothers and sisters-in-law; several nieces and nephews; and many dear and wonderful friends. Mr. Reittinger is predeceased by his brothers Edward and William Reittinger and his sister Katherine Phillips. The entire family would like to express their thanks and gratitude to the VNA Hospice House in Vero Beach, Dr. Richard Penly, and Dr. Timothy Sigman for their unselfish care and understanding. Visitation will be held on Friday, May 21, 2010, from 4:00-7:00 pm at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave., Utica. At the family’s request, please consider donations to the VNA Hospice, Vero Beach, FL; envelopes may be obtained at the funeral home. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Ralph’s funeral service which will commence on Saturday morning at 9:00 at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes where his Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. The family will accompany Ralph to his place of rest in Calvary Cemetery, Oneida St., Utica.

Ralph F. Reittinger

June 17, 1928 - May 13, 2010