Jo-Ann N. Ritner
OBITUARY
Jo-Ann N. Ritner, 65, of Newton Township, died on February 16th after a brief illness.
Born in Morristown, New Jersey, she was the daughter of the late John and Jo-Ann Antony Ritner. She, like the rest of her family, graduated from Morristown High School.
A life long River Rat Jo-Ann loved the 1000 Islands region of New York spending summers fishing and gardening. Upon moving to Alexandria Bay with her mother in 1985, Jo-Ann spent her adult life volunteering at The River Hospital (formerly EJ Noble). She earned the title of Volunteer of the Year in Jefferson County, NY. Her time at the hospital provided a bright light for the patients and employees. She made friends with everyone and her services were valuable to all she encountered.
In 2021, Jo-Ann moved to Pennsylvania quickly becoming an active part of the ARC of NEPA family. She enjoyed being part of the Aktion Club, the Tuesday night bowling league, ARC Stars and volunteering in the community. She attended church at Covenant Presbyterian Church, volunteering with their Women’s Association.
A true blue Yankees fan and a member of the Bills Mafia, Jo-Ann enjoyed life and was well-loved by all, especially her nieces and grandnieces, who she taught to feed chipmunks.
Her family would like to thank everyone who helped Jo-Ann live her fullest life, especially the staff at River Hospital and Day and Residential staffs at ARC.
Surviving are sisters Linda Frangos and her husband, Jim, and Gail Sudkamp; nieces Kathryn Frangos, Sarah Lawrence and husband Jonathan, Karen Sudkamp, and Julia Ludy and husband Jason; and great nieces Lucy James Lawrence and Elliot Elizabeth Lawrence.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother-in-law Stephen Sudkamp and nephew Gregory Sudkamp.
A Celebration of Life will be held on February 28, 2026 at 11:00 am at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 550 Madison Avenue, Scranton, PA 18510. Friends may pay their respects at the church from 10:00 am until the time of the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to ARC of NEPA at 115 Meadow Avenue, Scranton, PA 18505 or The River Hospital, 4 Fuller Street, Alexandria Bay, NY 13607.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Lawrence E. Young Funeral Home, Clarks Summit, PA.
Jo-Ann N. Ritner
February 16, 2026