Robert “Rit” Rittenhouse OBITUARY
On February 24, just shy of his 100th birthday, Robert Ross Rittenhouse departed for Heaven.
Robert was born on April 15, 1925, to Ross Ray and Roberta Rittenhouse, and raised in idyllic Santa Cruz. He attended Gault School, Branciforte Elementary and Junior High, Santa Cruz High School (class of ’44), and studied business administration at San Jose State.
Known by his friends as “Rit,” he was captain of the legendary 1943 SCHS football team. That season the undefeated squad only saw their opposition score three points. They handily won the CCAL Championship. “Big Bob Rittenhouse,” as he was described in the school newspaper, also played on the baseball team. His career on the grid iron continued at San Jose State.
Rit was the last surviving member of the original 1936 Santa Cruz Surf Club. In the spring of 1945, after a surf session he met Edithanne Gates on Cowells Beach. That summer he and “Edie” ran the custard stand at the Boardwalk owned by his uncle, Joe Lane. He also was employed by the Union Ice Company, delivering ice to homes throughout the county. He and Edie were married in April 1946.
After college, Rit entered the insurance profession, eventually founding The Insurance Center of Santa Cruz in 1960.
Rit was deeply committed to the prosperity and betterment of his community. In 1952, while serving as President of the popular 20-30 Club, he was named Citizen of the Week by the Santa Cruz Sentinel. He was a member of the Native Sons, the IOOF Lodge, Elks and Rotary Club. He served on the Santa Cruz County Planning Commission, the County Water Commission, the governing boards of both Community and Dominican Hospitals and New Life Community Services. He was also County Chairman of both the Monterey Bay Council of Boy Scouts of America and the March of Dimes.
Rit and Edie were actively involved in supporting the Museum of Art History and the Seymour Marine Discovery Center. The two were honored by the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors with “Bob and Edie Rittenhouse Day” on April 20, 1996.
In the early 90s, Rit was the driving force behind funding, designing, and erecting the iconic Surfing Statue on West Cliff Drive which, he humorously contended, was modeled after him.
Rit was known for his quick wit and humor, and his compassion toward the underserved and addicted in his community. He was always ready with an intriguing story about his life in Santa Cruz whether it be hunting pheasant on 41st Avenue or shooting marbles on the dirt crossroads of Seabright and Soquel.
Rit and Edie were married for 75 years, living most of that time in their home overlooking the beaches of Santa Cruz. They were loyal 49er fans, having season tickets at Candlestick Park for 55-years, traveled extensively throughout the world and yet rarely missed any event involving their grandchildren. Also, for decades they would host family and friends for the 4th of July at their family cabin on Donner Lake in the Sierra.
But certainly, more than anything, Rit was continually sharing his faith in Jesus Christ with others, and helping people grow stronger in their walk with the Lord. His favorite Bible verse was also his life’s motto: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths (Proverbs 3:5-6).
Robert Ross Rittenhouse was a humble man who loved his family and friends with generosity, compassion and humor.
Rit is survived by his son, Bob (Sharon) Rittenhouse Jr., daughters Joan Ross and Sue (Brian) Sussman, ten grandchildren, and twelve great-grandchildren.
The Rittenhouse Family wishes to thank Jazmine De Leon for her loving dedication and care for their Mom and Dad, Grandma and Gramps, these past 9 years.
A celebration of Rit and Edie’s life will be held on April 14, at 10 a.m. at Benito & Azzaro Pacific Garden Chapel.
