Patricia J. Ritter

Patricia Joan Ritter, (Patti) 88, of Waterbury, CT, transitioned from this life on July 1, 2024, in the loving arms of her daughter. Patricia was born on April 30, 1936, in Waterbury, CT to Alice Elizabeth (Carbury) Marciano (August 22, 1910) and Anthony Joseph Marciano (June 10, 1898).

Patricia grew up on Seymour Street in the town plot section of Waterbury which she and her friends and relatives loving referred to as “the hill.” Patricia always shared great childhood memories with her friends and cousins, especially her cousin Shirley (Marciano) Gerber, who to Patricia was more a sister than a cousin. Patricia attended Notre Dame Academy and graduated from Waterbury Catholic High School in 1955. Patricia was not proficient in her singing abilities and would joke about the sisters at NDA telling her “Move your mouth Patricia but don’t let any sound come out.”

Patricia married James Barry Ritter on December 29, 1967, in Brewster NY. Patricia was employed as a secretary at her brother’s business, Naugatuck Window and Glass, for many years until the mid-1980s. Patricia made lifelong friends at NWG and always had a funny story to share from her time there. In 1984 Patricia and her husband started the Continental Catering Business in Naugatuck CT until Patricia retired in 2003. Patricia had endless stories from her time at Continental Catering and made additional lifelong friends. Patricia loved meeting new people and helping them plan their weddings. Patricia loved her work and the friends she made while in the catering business.

Patricia had a heart of gold and was loved by everyone who knew her. She was generous beyond measure and her smile could light up a room. She was famous for giving “presents.” She could be feisty when she was pushed but her anger was always short lived. Patricia was a loving mother who adored her daughter and everyone who knew her knew this about her. Her most cherished role however was when her grandson Clayton Smith “CJ” made her a “grammy.” Patricia loved sweets and is known for asking everyone she encountered “can I have a cookie?” and for sharing candy and sweet treats with CJ and any other child in sight.

Patricia is survived by her devoted daughter Bari Ritter, her loving grandson Clayton Smith (CJ), her cousin and lifelong best friend Shirley Gerber, two nephews Jay Marciano and Gerard Marciano, and many more cousins, friends and friends who became family. Patricia has frequently been referred to as “a second mom” due to the love and care she was always willing to give. Patricia is predeceased by her father Anthony Marciano (June 10, 1976), her mother Alice Marciano (March 29, 1977), her husband James Barry Ritter (April 17,1994) and her brother Joseph Marciano (June 11, 2011).

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Patricia’s honor to Prudence Crandall Center, P. O. Box 895, New Britain CT 06050 to be used in supporting survivors of domestic violence, an issue near and dear to Patricia’s heart.

A special thank you to Patricia’s amazing caregivers, many of whom became “family” to her and her family over years.

Patricia’s generous, kind nature can be summed up with these simple words: Love is patient, love is kind. 1 Corinthians 13

Services will be private. Prospect Memorial/The Palmerie Family Funeral Home is honored to assist and care for Patricia and her family during this difficult time and invites you to share your condolences on her tribute family.

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