Mary P "Pat" Rittereiser

Mary P. "Pat" Rittereiser passed away peacefully on December 3, 2024, in Fort Mill, South Carolina, at the age of 85. Born on January 30, 1939 in New York City, and raised in Astoria, Queens, she was the beloved daughter of New York City Fire Department Lieutenant John C. McKenna and Agnes (Flannery) McKenna. A first-generation American, she remained proud of her Irish heritage and striking red hair throughout her life.

Upon graduating from Bishop McDonnell High School in Brooklyn, New York, she joined the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company in Manhattan. Not long after, she met Robert P. "Bob" Rittereiser at a party, he drove her home, and on October 3, 1959, they married. Pat and Bob shared a love, friendship, and partnership lasting 65 years. Guided by her devout Catholic faith, together they raised five children: Cathleen, Daniel, Patricia, Suzanne, and R.J. Her family brought her great joy, and she was affectionately known as "Mackey" to her eight grandchildren: Tyler and Andie Stolting, Ellie, Tim, and Will Anderson, John Rittereiser, Charlie, and Robert F. Rittereiser.

As Bob's financial services career progressed and their family grew, they lived in various places, including Astoria and New City, New York; Franklin Lakes, New Jersey; and finally, Fort Mill, South Carolina. Known for her ready smile, infectious giggle, quick wit, and youthful spirit, she had the Irish “Gift of Gab”, an innate ability to converse with anyone and remember the details of their lives. Pat easily made and kept in touch with numerous friends from all walks of life.

For many years, she was dedicated to the Most Blessed Sacrament Church and School in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, serving on committees and as a Eucharistic Minister.

Pat worked for many years at the Fifth Avenue Chocolatier, delighting in her commute, her colleagues and friend John Whaley, and the chance to spend more time in New York City.  She  enjoyed reading, movies, theater, tennis, figure skating, fine dining, and Elvis Presley. Later in life, she developed a passion for traveling, enjoying annual trips to Bermuda with family and friends and visiting European cathedrals.

Pat is survived by her dear husband, Bob, her children, grandchildren, daughters-in-law Paula and Jennifer Rittereiser, granddaughter-in-law Chloe Stolting, and her brother, John K. McKenna. She also leaves behind many dear friends and relatives, and cherished memories of love and laughter for all that had the privilege to know her.

A funeral Mass will be held January 11, 2025 at 10:00 am at the St. Philip Neri Catholic Church in Fort Mill, South Carolina.  A memorial Mass will be held at Most Blessed Sacrament Church in Franklin Lakes, NJ on February 1, 2025 at 12:30 pm.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or a charity of your choice.