Harold R. Rittenhouse

Harold Ruth Rittenhouse, 94, of Mount Joy, peacefully went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. Born on April 4, 1930, in Lansdale, Pennsylvania, Harold was the son of John Curtis and Emma Jane (Ruth) Rittenhouse, and a direct descendant of Wilhelm Rittenhouse, who immigrated in 1688 and founded the first papermill in colonial America.

Growing up on the family farm, Harold learned the value of hard work and perseverance, traits that would stay with him throughout his life. He served honorably in the U.S. Army from 1952 to 1954, stationed in Germany during the Korean War. It was there that he met the love of his life, Karin Hedwig Thom. They were married on October 16, 1954, in Hanau am Main, Germany, beginning a marriage that would span 70 years of love and devotion.

Harold’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to start Rittenhouse Realty in Harleysville, a venture that continues to this day. After retiring from real estate, Harold followed his passion for travel by opening a travel agency, allowing him and Karin to explore North and South America, Europe, and Israel. Their love for travel was a shared joy and a testimony to their adventurous spirit. Harold was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church and volunteered with Gideons International for many years, spreading the good news of Christ’s salvation.

Harold and Karin raised four sons, and Harold is now joyfully reunited with his baby daughter in heaven. His legacy of faith, love, and hard work lives on through his family, including his wife, Karin; his brother, Abram; his four sons: Brent (married to Karin), Glenn, Jeffrey (married to Marcia), and Stephen (married to Stephanie); six grandchildren: Kelley Rittenhouse, Lydia Kauffman, Daniel Rittenhouse, Benjamin Rittenhouse (married to Allison), Justin Rittenhouse, and Julianna Rittenhouse; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers Paul and Ernest.

A private graveside service for family was held at Chiques Church Cemetery, Manheim. A memorial service to celebrate Harold’s life and legacy will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2151 Oregon Pike, Lancaster, PA 17601 at 11am on Saturday, December 14th.

Harold’s faith, commitment to his family, and his love for life will be dearly missed, but his family takes comfort in knowing that he is now at peace, with his Savior and loved ones in heaven.