James M. Ritter, 64
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — James Michael Ritter of Saratoga Springs, N.Y., passed away on December 27, 2017, at the age of 64 in the state of Florida, where he truly enjoyed spending his winters.
Mike was born on September 26, 1953, in La Junta, Colorado, to Edgar Leroy Ritter and Marie Schwietzer Ritter. He spent most of his childhood in New York state, attending schools in Berlin and later graduating from Berlin High School in 1971. He was an avid swimmer and billiards player during his youth and loved those memories.
Mike resided in North Adams, Mass., from 1975 to 1995 and was last employed at Taconic in Petersburg, N.Y.
Mike is survived by two daughters, Krista Bishop and her husband Lee of Florida, Mass., and Lyndsay Ollberding and her fiance Bruce Hart of Ocala, Fla.; eight grandchildren, who were his pride and joy, Hunter and Brooke Bishop of Florida, Mass., Sawyer Ollberding and Tanner Hart of Ocala, Fla., William and Rory Nowosielski of Monroe, N.Y., and Gabriel and Jude Nowosielski of Mansfield Center, Conn.; three brothers, Richard and Betty Ritter of Grand Junction, Colo., John E. Ritter of Hoosick Falls, N.Y., and Daniel Ritter of Stephentown, N.Y., and two sisters, Cathy Russell of Deland, Fla., and Sharon and Dwight Goodermote of Petersburg, N.Y. He is also survived by his significant other and best friend with whom he resided, Linda Nowosielski of Saratoga Springs, N.Y., and her sons, Matthew and Victoria Nowosielski and Ryan and Kari Nowosielski; and his former wife, Nancy Ritter, and former mother-in-law, Alice Dydowicz, both of North Adams. Mike also is leaving behind many friends that he thought about dearly, including Kelly MacLaughlin, who knew exactly how to put a smile on his face, and his good friend Fiona. He also leaves numerous nieces and nephews of whom he had wonderful memories.
Besides his parents, Mike is predeceased by his niece, Diana Russell; and his faithful companion Finnian.
When his girls were young he enjoyed teaching Krista about the games of baseball and football and sharing with her, as long as he could, his love of the New York Yankees and the New York Giants. He also took an active roll in Lyndsay's youth swimming career; although he enjoyed the sport, we know he did it so he could spend time with her.
Mike's greatest accomplishment was being a present grandfather. He took such joy in hearing about all of their accomplishments and feats. Mike would drive hours in his beloved Corvette just to watch them play in a baseball game or receive an award. He was so proud of them and their dreams and worked very hard to understand them like most adults do not.
Sometimes, after working on the lawn, which Mike always took tremendous pride in, he would lay down and look at the sky and question whether or not he was in Heaven already. He was lucky to live a life where those thoughts were present.
Donations may be made in James Mchael Ritter's name to The Mohawk Hudson Humane Sociey (MHHS) Saratoga.
Funeral notice: There will be private services for family and friends.