Obituary

David William Rittelmann died on July 8, 2024 at Celebration Villa of Chippewa in Beaver Falls. He was born on January 5, 1925 in Baden, Pa to Louis J. and Clara Schmitt Rittelmann.

He graduated from Ambridge High School in 1942.  In his early career David worked as a messenger for Bethlehem Steel in Leetsdale, as a welder for Curtiss Wright in Beaver and as a letter carrier and assistant postmaster at the U.S. Post Office in Baden.  He served in the 28^th division of the U.S. Army in Germany in 1950-1952.

After his Army service he resumed work with the Post Office in Baden and in 1957 he was employed in the accounting department of Babcock and Wilcox Tubular Division in Beaver Falls.  Meanwhile he attended night school at Geneva College and graduated cum laude in 1959 with a BS degree in Business Administration.  David joined Moltrup Steel, a local producer of cold finished steel bars in 1965.  He was named sales manager in 1970 and became vice-president sales in 1977.

He served on the boards of the Upper Beaver Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Beaver Falls Rotary Club and was a past chairman of the board of the Pennsylvania Economy League.  He also served on the Chippewa Township Planning Commission.  He was also a long-time parishioner at St Monica’s Catholic Church in Chippewa.

David was preceded in death by his wife Elizabeth (Bette) Suprock Rittelmann in 2017.  They were married for 65 years.  Bette suffered a stroke in 1999 and he was her primary caregiver until her death.  His eldest son David Wayne Rittelmann also preceded him in death in 2022.  His siblings all preceded him in death; Lt. Col. Paul Rittelmann PSP, Lucille Springer, Sister Marie Colette Rittelmann C.S.J, Evelyn Straub, Louis J Rittelmann and his twin, Clara Swarlis

He is survived by his daughters; Michele (Jack)Baker, Louisville, KY Rebecca (Mark)Dever, Beaver and his son Eric (Cathi)Rittelmann, Hopewell.  He was an indulgent Pappap to his grandchildren; Julia Rittelmann, David (Stephanie) Rittelmann, Katelyn (Isaiah) Middleton, Jared (Katie)Baker, Michael (Tara) Rittelmann, Marissa Dever and Rachel Rittelmann.  David is also survived by seven great grandchildren: Kaiden and Kyler Middleton, Sloane, Brax, Maddox, and Colette Baker and Hudson Rittelmann plus one more on the way, David leaves behind many nieces and nephews and a brother-in-law Charles Suprock, Ligonier, Pa.

David lived in Chippewa for over 60 years and was fondly nicknamed “The Mayor of Birnesser Drive”.  He enjoyed all the cook outs, keggers and campfires in the neighborhood which often ended with a stirring rendition of “The Little Brown Mouse”.  He enjoyed a cutthroat game of Euchre, imploring his partners to “get the kids off the street.”  He always had a smile and a joke for anyone.  He enjoyed his life and a fine Manhattan.

Friends will be received on Friday, July 12^th from 4-8PM in the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., Chippewa Twp., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls.

Military honors will be presented at the funeral home by the Beaver County Special Unit on Saturday, July 13^th at 9AM.

Prayers will be offered in the funeral home on Saturday, July 13^th at 9:30AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10AM at St. Monica Church of St. Augustine Parish, 116 Thorndale Dr., Beaver Falls.

Private interment will be in Sylvania Hills Memorial Park.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Celebration Villa of Chippewa and Gateway Hospice for their loving and patient care of our dear Manhattan Man in all his many moods.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Meals on Wheels or a veteran’s organization of your choice.