Rev. Paul Miles Ritter

Reverend Paul Miles Ritter, age 82, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 8, 2018, at Fox Hill Center in Vernon, CT after a courageous battle with cancer. Preacher, political strategist, social activist, affordable housing advocate and champion of the needy, Rev. Ritter devoted over 50 years working tirelessly to improve the quality of life for citizens throughout Greater Hartford. He served as pastor of the Warburton Community United Church of Christ for 25 years, where he retired in 1997, and as a Commissioner of the Metropolitan District Commission for 28 years. He considered his leadership roles in the development of Faith Manor Senior Apartments and Zezzo House as two of his most significant accomplishments in providing housing to those in greatest need. He was engaged in all matters political -- including three runs for Mayor -- and held court almost daily with his “Save The World Posse” at the neighborhood McDonald’s in Hartford.

Affectionately known to family as “Joe Boy”, he was the youngest son of 12 children of the late Jordan (Papa) and Nora (Mama) Ritter of Carthage, NC. He graduated from Pinckney High School, Carthage NC in 1955, from Immanuel College Theological Seminary, Greensboro, NC in 1957. He married Mazie Adell Caviness of Robbins, NC in 1955 and they moved Connecticut in 1957. In 1969 Rev. Ritter became assistant pastor of Bethel A.M.E. Church in Harford, CT and in 1972 he went on to pastor Warburton Community Church in Hartford. That year he also graduated from the University of Connecticut, Hartford, CT with a BS in Sociology.

First and foremost he was a Man of God. He was also a son, brother, dad, uncle, “pop-pop”, mentor, advisor, friend, and both the “calm and the storm” – depending on the situation.  He was proud of the Ritter Family legacy and loved his family – EVERYONE.

Rev. Ritter is survived by; 7 children, Larry Ritter Sr. (Diana), Roger Ritter (Monnece), Paula Ritter-Lipscomb (Hamilton), Michael Ritter (Laura Ann), Tyrone Ritter (Stephanie), Chanene Ritter, Paul Ritter Jr.; 4 sisters, Arbella Williams (Lee -deceased), Mozella Ritter, Frankie Peace and Marjorie Brown (Charles-deceased);  12 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews; best friend and former wife, Mazie Ritter; close friends, Joyce Hudson, Russell Ruth, Bishop James Bishop, Bishop James Walker, and extended family and friends. He is predeceased by siblings, Sophia (Claude), James Edward Ritter (Alma), Gertrude (Charles), Dorothy (Walter), Jordan Martin Ritter, Odessa Ritter and Jerry Ritter.

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