It is with much regret and sorrow that we announce the passing of a very loved and humbled human being. Robert Gilbert Ritten, Sr. was accepted into the Lord's house on Friday, May 5, 2018 with his family by his side each step of the way, as promised.

Robert entered into this world on August 23, 1936.  Born into the arms of the late Thomas Francis and Lucille Totten Ritten, in Miami, he grew up in Orange Lake until his graduation from Reddick High school.  He worked for his uncle in the tobacco fields of Havana, Fl and then back in Miami on the dry docks.  From there he joined his family again, but this time in Fort Pierce, FL.  He enjoyed traveling to Okeechobee on the weekends to attend high school dances, where he would meet the love of his life, mistaking her for an Indian girl off of the reservation.  Shortly after receiving Georgia, a native of the Philippines, as his wife, Robert joined the United States Military, Army Division. His enrollment led him through Germany to serve this great country for 4 years with honors.  He and Georgia then settled back in Fort Pierce, started their family and made their home for 23 years. He then passed peacefully in their residence in Vero Beach, Fl with much love and respect.

Robert loved to travel, fish and hunt.  He especially loved to play cards and consistently tried his luck at double or nothing.  He was the self proclaimed "Best Texas Holding Player" in the world and an incredibly hard worker.  He was a storyteller, a proud veteran and a teacher to anyone that would lend an ear.  He will be missed dearly.

Robert is preceded in passing, not just by his parents, but by his and Georgia's daughter, Paula.  He is survived in passing by his wife of 60 years, Georgia Parrett Ritten, and eight of the most unique individuals, his and Georgia's children.  Robert Ritten, Jr. (Jill), Theresa Daugherty (Brian), Maria Pfeiffer, Rebecca Ritten Segond (Steve), Angela Helseth (Brian), John Thomas Ritten, Donna Ritten Scott (David), Anna Ritten Kennedy (David).  He also said farewell to 17 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, 2 Brothers, 4 sisters and countless cousins and friends.

Services to honor this amazing man will be held at the old Ritten homestead, located and filled with too many memories to count, at 1210 Hartman Road in Fort Pierce.  This will take place on Saturday May 12, 2018 starting at 11 am.  We will have a prayer service, followed by a Celebration of life for Robert.  The family has requested that, much like Robert's personality, his celebration be bright and colorful, so please refrain from wearing black.  If you have a memory or pictures you would like to share, please bring them along with you.  Flowers are welcomed at the service, but not expected.

Anyone wishing to send the family a message or share a story, and cannot attend the service, please visit Robert's memorial page at www.coxgiffordseawinds.com