Myrell Donald Ritterpusch

Myrell “Dimples”, ” Okie”, “Pop”, “Geezer”, “Junior” Ritterpusch, 97, of Pasadena, Maryland passed peacefully in his sleep on August 17, 2026. He was born in Baltimore on October 5, 1928, to the late Albert and Mary (Boehm) Ritterpusch.

In 1938, at age 10, he met the love of his life, Dolores “Lory” Ritterpusch, who predeceased him in 2024 after 75 years of marriage and countless “Pop” jokes. They began dating in 1943 and “Dimples” and “Blue Eyes” were married on June 30, 1949. They were together for over 80 years.

“Okie” was preceded in death by 10 siblings: Albert; Marian; Lawrence; Bing (Ira); Rena; Len; Stanley; Melvin; Margaret; and June.

Myrell is survived by three daughters: Kathy (Joseph) Thompson, Kristy (Rick) Richter, Linda (Phil) DeRose and a son: David (Sandee) Ritterpusch. He was a loving grandfather “Pop” to 11 and great grandfather “Geezer” to 16 great grandchildren.

“Junior” worked for Procter and Gamble in Baltimore for 43.5 years, along with 3 of his brothers and countless other relatives in what became the ‘family business’. Starting at age 15, he retired in 1987 where he was widely known as the chief prankster.

Pop loved children as much as his Lory and he doted on all children; who absolutely gravitated to him. When he wasn’t entertaining them, he was pulling them on skis or tubes behind his boat. He was devoted to his family, which also extended to the church and neighbors. He was dedicated to Galilee Lutheran Church, beginning in 1965, and spent many years serving in many capacities including Church Council, Men’s Group, and Maintenance committee. He could, would, and did fix anything, for anyone, at any time, often with sheer force of will and muscle. He was a giver; and donated over 100 gallons of blood in his lifetime. Pop was a soft-hearted man with hands of stone.

He fondly reminisced of his years growing up on the family ‘shore’ where his waterman lifestyle and love of eeling, crabbing, and fishing were born. He was a legend; and now the legend is reunited with his darling Blue Eyes. 

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Galilee Lutheran Church 4652 Mountain Road Pasadena, Maryland 21122 or Breakthrough T1D breakthrought1d.org in the name of Myrell D. Ritterpusch. 

Family and friends are invited to visit the family owned and operated McCully Polyniak & Collins Funeral Home, P.A. 3204 Mountain Road Pasadena on Thursday August 20, 2026, from 4-7 PM. A funeral service will be held on Friday August 21, 2026, at 11 AM at Galilee Lutheran Church 4652 Mountain Road Pasadena, Maryland 21122. Interment Mt. Carmel United Methodist Church Cemetery 4760 Mountain Road Pasadena, Maryland 21122.