Edwin "Ed" Richter's Obituary
Bradenton, Florida - Edwin Benson Richter died peacefully surrounded by his loving family on August 11th, 2022. He was 87. Ed never met anyone who didn't take an instant and permanent liking to him. Born to Dorothea and Edwin Carl Richter in 1935 in Detroit, Ed was the responsible older brother to twin sisters, Karen, and Sharon. Ed met his wife, Joyce, while attending Arthur Hill High School. They dated and fell in love while studying at Bay City Junior College in Saginaw. Ed, Joyce and their firstborn daughter, Debra soon moved to Pittsburgh so that Ed could begin working for the Fisher Body Division of General Motors. Over time, two boys, Paul and Walter, were born to Ed and Joyce. The family led a busy, happy life in Pittsburgh, enjoying the cultural institutions, parks, and entertainment venues the city offered.
Ed's career at Fisher Body lasted 35 years and included work as a draftsman and as a production supervisor. Ed also found time to establish the Green Apple Laundromat at a nearby shopping center. Ed and Joyce worked tirelessly to ensure that the Green Apple was clean, brightly lit, and welcoming, with magazines for adults and toys for the kids. Ed and Joyce went on to create the Apple Creek Originals gift shop with Ed building all the store's cabinetry by hand.
Despite long hours at work, Ed found time to encourage his children to pursue their dreams. He read and commented on school projects and cheerfully attended school musicals and football games where his children performed in the marching band. When his children became adults, Ed could always be relied upon to help them move or complete a home improvement project.
After retiring, Ed and Joyce relocated to Bradenton, Florida. Ed was busy in retirement, working more than 10 years at Cox Chevrolet and volunteering within his community and at Westminster Presbyterian church.
Ed loved to travel within the US and to Europe and the Caribbean, often in the company of his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed updating and improving his home, entertaining neighbors, playing bridge, and going to shows. He loved golf with his friends and continued to put together the local tournaments when his health prevented him from playing.
Ed never stopped growing and learning. He read history voraciously and worked to understand the complex issues of the day. Most importantly, Ed always tried to be a better person and to do what he could to make the world a better place. We are all the better for having known him and the world is that much better for the 87 years that he was in it.
Ed is survived by his three children, Debra McGhee and her husband Lawrence of Crownsville, Maryland; Paul Richter and his wife Amy of Windham, New Hampshire, and Walter Richter and his wife Beatriz, of Berlin, Germany. Ed is survived by four grandchildren, Ian McGhee, Michael Richter, Benjamin Richter and Sofia Richter. He is also survived by his sister Karen Lewis Titus of The Villages, Florida and Sharon Beutel of Bradenton Florida. Ed was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Joyce Richter, and grandson Noah Katz.
Friends and neighbors are invited to attend a memorial service for Ed followed by a repast to be held at 11:00 a.m. on November 12, 2022, at the Palma Sola Presbyterian Church, 6510 Third Avenue W., Bradenton, FL 34209.
What’s your fondest memory of Edwin?
What’s a lesson you learned from Edwin?
Share a story where Edwin's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Edwin you’ll never forget.
How did Edwin make you smile?
