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WHEREAS, Ira Ritter was born on Oct. 4th, 1932, in Coraopolis, Pa to proud parents Leroy Ritter, Sr. And Lucille Ritter. Mr. Ritter was raised in the historical Hill district of Pittsburgh and was a proud graduate of Fifth Avenue High School. At the age of 21, Ira went on to marry his high school sweetheart, Mary Ann Stotts and out of their union they had 4 children; and
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WHEREAS, Mr. Ritter launched his painting company, I. Dennar Ritter Co Inc., at the early age of 19. Ira later became the first black industrial and commercial painting contractor in the Local 6 Painters’ Union here in Pittsburgh-and was one of the first black painting contractors in the 8A program. Mr. Ritters painting career spanned over 50 years with the notable business slogan being “Beauty is our Business”. Mr. Ritter’s company painting portfolio varies from notable projects such as Bennett Place, Crawford Square Housing Development, Kane Hospital and many others; and,
WHEREAS, Mr. Ritter was dedicated to many community organizations, he belonged to the FROGS, the Men of Fifth Avenue, Wi-Hub Club, Painting and Decorating Contractors of America, as well as a lifetime member of the NAACP; and,
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby declare September 4th, 2024, to be “Ira Ritter Day” in the City of Pittsburgh.