Ronald Lloyd Ritter

Ronald Lloyd Ritter, beloved husband, brother, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 30,2026. He was 73 years old.

Ron was born on July 20, 1953, to John and Carol Ritter. He grew up in Whippany, New Jersey, alongside his brother, Jack, and sister, Carolyn.

After graduating high school, Ron attended the University of Delaware, where he met the love of his life, Joanne. The two graduated in 1975, married soon afterward, and began their life together in North Carolina.

Ron continued his education at North Carolina State University, earning a master’s degree and PhD in Crop Science in 1979. His passion for plants, science, teaching, and research led him to a fulfilling career in academia.

Ron began his career as a professor in the Department of Plant Science at the University of Maryland. Over the course of 32 years, he inspired students, contributed to agricultural research, and became a respected member of Maryland’s agricultural community. His dedication to agriculture and his research earned him numerous awards and honors throughout his career.

Among his many recognitions was the University of Delaware’s George M. Worrilow Award for outstanding service to agriculture by a College of Agriculture Graduate. The award was a fitting recognition of Ron’s lifelong commitment to agriculture and to the people and communities he served.

Ron truly loved what he did. His work was more than a career- it was a passion. He took great pride in his research, teaching, and contributions to agriculture, and his enthusiasm was evident to the many students, colleagues, farmers and friends whose lives he touched.

After 32 years at the University, Ron retired a Professor Emeritus, leaving behind a lasting legacy of service, scholarship, and dedication to agriculture.

Above all, Ron cherished his family. He and Joanne built a life filled with love, shared experiences, and treasured memories with their two daughters. From reading bedtimes stories every night, to coaching the girls in soccer and basketball, attending their high school games, and teaching them to drive a stick shift, he enjoyed every moment. Family vacations at the beach were a tradition and trips to the Grand Canyon, Jamaica, cruises to the Caribbean and Alaska created wonderful memories.

He took particular joy in being a grandfather to Ronson, Ally, Sydney, and Lucas. His family also included his beloved grand dogs, Dexter, Lilly, Nelly, and Benny, who brought him plenty of companionship and happiness.

Ron will be remembered for his love of family, his passion for agriculture, his dedication to his work, and the many lives he touched. His legacy will live on through the family he loved, the students he taught and the lasting contributions he made to agriculture.

Ron is survived by his wife, Joanne; daughters, Dana (Tony) Stemerick and Lindsey (Steve) O'Neill and his grandchildren, Ronson, Ally, Sydney and Lucas.

In lieu of flowers, Ron requested donations be made to the American Cancer Society or the charity of your choice.