Sam L. Rittenour

Rev. Sam L. Rittenour, 79 years old, with a mind full of fond memories of a life well led, went home to be with the Lord on Dec. 7, 2024. 

Parkinsonism characteristics had robbed his mobility and his voice, but his disease’s symptoms were no match for the things Sam held deeply in his heart—his faith, his love of his family (compassion that he also extended to all people), his influence in the lives of hundreds throughout his community and beyond, and much more.

Born in 1945 to the late Arthur and Myrtle Grace Rittenour of Akron, OH, “Sammy” was the youngest of five children (J.D., Charles, Bobby, Patti, his older siblings). He became grounded in his Christian faith during his upbringing at The Chapel in Akron—his parents as charter members.

In 1963, Sam graduated from East High School in Akron and later earned degrees from Akron Bible Institute, Calvary University, a Master of Arts in Psychology and Pastoral Counseling from Ashland Theological Seminary, and was ordained the Rev. Sam L. Rittenour in 1982. By then, he and Linda, his wife of 55 years, had been married more than twelve years, and the couple was blessed with two sons, David and Mark. It was nearly impossible for Sam to go in public without seeing someone he knew from Youth for Christ/Campus Life, one of the many area high school clubs he built and grew, or one of the churches where he developed youth programs, pastored and counseled. 

 Early in his career, Sam served as an Army medic and reservist; later, he spent more than 20 years in youth ministry. Sam served as Executive Director of Akron-area Youth for Christ/Campus Life, as Minister of Youth for teen and college programs at Arlington Memorial Baptist Church, and then pastored at churches in New Franklin, Stow and Springfield Township. Today, he is absent from the body, present with the Lord.

 Sam will be remembered for the quality time he held for everyone, something that underscored his success in ministry and counseling. In fact, Sam “never met a stranger.” He was readily available to help people through trying times and to celebrate with them in the good. Despite everything, he traveled extensively, even during the last year of his life, with Linda and his family, as well as with their friends throughout their lifetime together. 

 Sam loved to travel, watch sports, hike, celebrate holidays, plan fun opportunities for his family and as part of his ministerial work, and play softball (a multiple time All-Star, starting with Little League baseball and continuing into the Silver League). A retiree in 2008, Sam enjoyed several years watching his grandchildren and fulfilling the role of Papa.

 During the final years of his life, Sam’s agility and communication suffered as a result of terminal illness. He continued to thrive to the best of his ability as numerous people and organizations advocated on behalf of his health. Sam’s surviving family and friends are too innumerable to list. Through his final days on earth, Linda and Mark remained most preciously bonded to him, and caregiving through the years became a role that brought them all closer together as family traditions and ways of life were drastically altered.

 He will be missed by all who knew him. Family and friends may pay tribute to Sam on Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024, at the Hopkins Lawver Funeral Home, 547 Canton Rd., Akron. Calling hours will be held 1-3 pm with a service immediately following, officiated by Sam’s dear friend, Rev. Les Sutherland. 

 To honor Sam, the family suggests memorials may be made to the Haven of Rest Ministries, 175 E. Market St., Akron, OH 44308.

 Throughout his life, Sam fervently held onto the words of Romans 8:38-39: “For I am convinced, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”