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Van Jay Ritter MD, age 69, passed peacefully at home on February 13, 2025 with his wife by his side.
Dr. Ritter was born in New York City on October 31,1955, the son of Nelson and Lorraine (Horowitz) Ritter.
He was raised in Long Island and was a graduate of Plainview High School in 1973 and then went on to graduate cum laude from SUNY Binghamton in 1977 as a member of Phi Beta Kappa. He continued his education at Albany Medical College, graduating in 1981. Following a residency in Internal Medicine at the University of Rochester, he was afforded an opportunity to earn a fellowship in Gastroenterology there. He was a Diplomate in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology.
While in the Albany area he met his future wife, Roberta A. Robak and they were married at the Union College Memorial Chapel on August 7, 1983. He then relocated to Massachusetts where he conducted a private practice in Franklin, MA for 26 years. His early retirement was unfortunately occasioned by a stroke he suffered in 2014. Soon after he and his wife moved to their beloved mountain home near Rutland VT.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his dear son Alexander in 1996.
Dr Ritter is survived by his wife Roberta and two wonderful dogs. He also leaves behind a brother, Joel Ritter and sister Wendy Ritter and her partner Marc Lamorte, of Florida, a sister-in-law Patricia Robak of Mass. and brother-in-law Theodore J. Robak Jr. and Nancy in Florida. In addition, he leaves four nephews, Jarryd Ritter and Jody Ritter, MD of Virginia and Theodore J. Robak III, MD of Charleston, SC and Robert Robak of Florida as well as many good friends in Massachusetts and Vermont.
Van has always been a person of simple needs and besides being devoted to his practice and patients, he immensely enjoyed hiking, working outside, a great home cooked meal and a comfortable home the most.
There will be a private graveside service at the West Wrentham Cemetery in Massachusetts.
Remembrances in his name may be made to the Rutland County Humane Society, 765 Stevens Rd., Pittsford, VT. 05763 or the charity of ones choice.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Aldous Funeral Home in Rutland, VT and the R.J. Ross Funeral Home in Wrentham, MA.
