J. Ritchie Solter 1943-2024

J. Ritchie Solter, 81, died peacefully on Saturday at his farm in Upperco, Maryland after an extended illness. Born in Chicago, November 5, 1943, he and his family moved to Baltimore and he attended the Gilman School where he played football and lacrosse. He graduated from the University of Virginia in 1965. At Virginia, he was an All-American midfielder and a member of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity.

Following graduation, he was employed by Exxon in Washington, D.C., and later worked as a broker for Alex Brown. Mr. Solter married Beverly Brooks in 1969, and together raised four children on Amberley Farm in Upperco.

A respected member of the banking community, Mr. Solter spent decades working as senior executive at Equitable, Maryland National Bank, and, most recently, Farmers and Merchants, where he ran the Commercial Lending Division until his retirement in 2023. Solter was an active member of St. John's Episcopal Church where he served as a member of the Finance Committee and as an Usher.

A devoted father and grandfather, Mr. Solter followed his children's and grandchildren's lives with great interest, cheering them on at games, musical performances, and graduations. Known for his unassuming manner and integrity, Mr. Solter was the consummate old school gentleman.  He was a passionate caretaker of his farm in Upperco, where he spent hours tending his land and hosting gatherings of family and friends with his partner Amanda Wharton.

He was also a life-long member of The Maryland Club and a supporter of The Green Spring Valley Hounds. His many passions included reading books involving World War II , sailing in Maine, duck hunting, and attending lacrosse and equestrian events, especially those of his children and grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his parents, George and Susan "Tuda" Solter, his wife Beverly in 2001, his daughter Elizabeth in 2014 and his sister Susan "Soonie" Mulford in 2023. He is survived by his partner Amanda Wharton, his sister Cathy Pollock, his daughter Kristin Solter Edmunds and sons Thomas Wagner Solter and John Ritchie Solter, Jr., and nine grandchildren, three nephews and two nieces.

A memorial service will be held at St. John's Episcopal Church, Glyndon, Maryland on Saturday, December 7, 2024 at 11 am. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. John's Episcopal Church in Glyndon, Maryland.