In Memory
Timothy Joseph Ritter
April 10, 1966 ~ August 2, 2024 58 Years Old
Timothy “Tim” Joseph Ritter, born Easter Sunday April 10, 1966, took his final breath at 11:30 a.m. Friday August 2, 2024, with his loved ones by his side.
Tim was born at Memorial Hospital in South Bend to Jay and Jill Ritter who both preceded him in death.
A proud Southsider and a 1984 Riley High School graduate, he later attended Ivy Tech where he was an excellent student. He graduated on the Dean’s List and received an Associates of Applied Science degree earning CCNA Certificates in Cisco and CompTia Network+.
Being just like his Dad, he never met a stranger and made friends easily. Caring, funny, easygoing and loving are just some of the words to describe him. He stood up for the underdog and befriended many who others ignored. Tim was the dude of all dudes. The coolest and one may even say the gnarliest. He sported a mullet back when it was cool, and then when it was not so cool. He had many friends – more than he realized – and the most cherished were his friends from his childhood and teenage years. He gave nicknames to his friends and if he called you a Mott it was a good thing, or maybe not. Many nicknames were given to Tim as well. They include, but are not limited to: “Timmy,” “Rit,” "Timmer," "Rim Titter,” “Ritter” and from his siblings, "Pimpy.”
Tim fought many battles and inner demons throughout his life. But the one that he couldn’t beat was what eventually took his life, the disease of alcoholism. However, for many years, he won the battle and kept sobriety his number one priority.
What helped him the most was regularly attending AA meetings. He would say that the disease was waiting for him out in the parking lot doing pushups. He attended every single meeting he could, every gathering they had and led or spoke at a few of the meetings. His story of survival was inspirational, and he affected so many lives in a positive way. This was when he worked for 0.J. Shoemaker as a plumber’s helper, owned a couple of Harleys, got himself an old Porsche and had his loving sidekick, his Dad's dog "Mandy" by his side.
What was most important to Tim was family, close and extended. He was the happiest when he was with them. When his Mother became ill, the call of the alcohol was unfortunately too strong and it, again, became his coping mechanism. He had many hurts in his life and each one took him a little deeper into his sadness that he hid so well. He always tried to be so strong for everyone else, encouraging to others.
Left to mourn his passing is his little sister (and best friend), Angie (Pat) Pickenpaugh, his big brother (and hero) Dan (Melba) Ritter along with many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins who all loved him dearly.
Until we see you again, throw that kickstand up, get that wind therapy on the baddest Harley with mom as your passenger and "DO A BURNOUT.”
A Celebration of Life will be held from 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m., Sunday, September 15, 2024 at the VFW Post 360, 1307 E. Jefferson Blvd, Mishawaka, IN 46545. Memorial contributions may be made to Michiana Central Service Office – Michiana AA, 818 E. Jefferson Blvd., Suite A, South Bend, IN 46617 or Center for Hospice, Raclin House, 501 Comfort Place, Mishawaka, IN 46545. Palmer Funeral Homes – River Park Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.
8/6/2024 djb
|