Harvey Franklin “Butch” Rittle, 101, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2020, in the Wellspan Good Samaritan Hospital. He was the husband of the late Dorothy Jane Rittle.
Butch was born in Lebanon on Sept. 5, 1919, a son of the late Walter William and Katie S. Baum Rittle. He was retired from Henry Molded Products at the age of 90. Prior to working for Henry Molded, he had been employed by Olivetti/Underwood Company. He was a veteran of WWII, where he received a Purple Heart while serving in the U.S. Army. Butch was a life member of St. Stephen’s United Church as well as an inaugural member of the Brotherhood of St. Stephen’s. He was also a life member of the VFW posts in Lebanon and Annville as well as a member of the DAV. A tireless public servant, he first joined the Union Steam Engine and Fire Company #1 at the age of 16 and continued in fire service to the community by serving both as president and captain of the company. He also was a member of the Lebanon County Fire Chief’s Association and the Smokies.
Butch is survived by children: Roy Rittle, and wife, Eve; Jeffrey A. Rittle; Wendy, wife of Nick Kwasow; Robert L. Rittle, and wife, Tammy; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild; as well as several nieces.
He was preceded in death by a son: Bill Rittle, and brothers: Edwin and Richard Rittle. Funeral services for Butch will be held on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. in St. Stephen’s United Church, 1100 Hunter’s Chase Ln., Lebanon, PA 17046 where a viewing will be held from 9:00 a.m. to the time of service. Interment will be made in Zoar’s Lutheran Church Cemetery.
