Obituary of Richard Rittmaster

Richard Allison Rittmaster passed away peacefully on December 9, 2016 in Monterey, California surrounded by family. He was born in Bonne Terre, Missouri to Louella and Maurice Rittmaster on September 24, 1928. He attended Southwest High School and Washington University. He served in the United States Air Force from 1950 to 1954 as flight camera repairman stationed in England. After his discharge he held a variety of sales positions, including several years with the Prince Gardner Leather Goods Company. In 1956 Richard married Gloria Larson in Denver, Colorado. Richard, Gloria and Gloria's children,Bernalei and Gregory lived in Denver until 1960 when the family moved to San Mateo, California. Daughter, Jennifer was born in 1961. In 1970 Richard and Gloria moved to Carmel, California and began their long and successful retail clothing career. They owned and operated Rittmaster Ltd. at several locations on Ocean Avenue until 2012. Richard was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Joan Wunderlich, and son, Gregory Rittmaster. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Gloria, daughters Bernalei Peterson (Kenneth) of Phoenix, Arizona, Jennifer Prager (Steven) of Salinas, grandson, Ethan Geiger (father Philip Geiger), and step-grand daughters Jackie and Tori Prager. A Richard's request, there will be no services. The family suggests remembrances be made to the donor's favorite charity or to the Christian Science Mother Church in Boston, MA. Richard will be remembered for his big smile, his ability to make friends wherever he went, his love of fine automobiles, and his style and fashion-sense. He always had something to chat about and loved to talk about his rewarding time in the Air Force and sports. He was an avid and lifelong St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan and was a regular contributor to the team's online fan forum. His family will remember and admire his deep faith and spirituality as well as his loving and caring nature. He will be missed by many. Service Information