Dennis M. Ritter; of West Bloomfield formerly of Clarkston; passed away on June 14, 2024 at the age of 78; husband of Sandra for 54 years; father of Sarah (Neal)Williams and Dennis “Mike”(Heather) Ritter; grandfather to Franklin, Wm. Henry, Stella, Ella Anne, Jackson, Ryan (Sydney) and the late Britton; great grandpa of Eliza and Ava; brother of Donna (Lon) Heath, Mary “Sue” Ritter, Cecilia (Dave) Yarber, Ed (Jan) Ritter, Fred (Sheila) Ritter, Doug (Mary Beth) Ritter, and Maureen (Chuck) Compagnoni; also survived by many nieces and nephews; preceded in death by his parents, Kevin and Mary Ritter, and his siblings: Tom, Kevin, Jim and Joan.
Dennis had many fond memories of his brothers, sisters and friends growing up on Auburn Avenue in Pontiac. During the Vietnam War, Dennis volunteered to serve in the U.S. Army in 1965 and completed basic training at Fort Devens outside Boston, MA. Dennis was assigned to the Non-Morse Search and Development (NMSD) program within the United States Army and was stationed at Kagnew Station in Asmara, Ethiopia. Dennis was ultimately transferred and assigned to Hill 180 in Phu Bai, Vietnam where he intercepted, translated and decoded enemy communications for the Army Security Agency.Upon his honorable discharge and subsequent return to the States, Dennis met the love of his life Sandra, and earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Michigan (Dearborn). Dennis was a passionate Michigan Football fan. His two favorite teams were the University of Michigan and whichever team was playing Ohio State.
Dennis followed in the Ritter family tradition, owning and operating Ritter’s Farm Market in White Lake from 1976-1978. Dennis was also employed with National Bank of Detroit.
Dennis was appointed to serve as Waterford Township Trustee in 1978. He ran successfully for Waterford Township Treasurer in 1980, a position held until 1988 when he ran for Waterford Township Supervisor. One of his favorite memories was the annual Ritter’s Corn Roast.
Dennis served as Waterford Township Supervisor for two terms from 1988 until 1996. During his administration, Dennis oversaw the development of Waterford’s new library, a state of the art water filtration system and spearheaded funding for expansion of public safety services in Waterford Township.
After retirement, Dennis followed his passion for gardening and obtained the qualification of Michigan Certified Nurseryman. After moving to Clarkston, he returned to public service as The City of the Village of Clarkston City Manager and also served on the board of Clarkston State Bank. Dennis was known for progressive social politics while maintaining fiscally conservative values.
Friends may visit Lewis E. Wint & Son Funeral Home. Clarkston on Sunday, June 23 from 3 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m.
Funeral Mass Monday, June 24 at 11 a.m. at St. Daniel Catholic Church, Clarkston with visiting directly at the church at 10 a.m.
Interment with Army military honors at Great Lakes National Cemetery, Holly (date pending).
Memorials may be made to Vietnam Veterans of America
Please leave a memory or condolence at the online guestbook www.wintfuneralhome.com