Wyckoff Man Fatally Hit By Car In Fair Lawn Was 'Gift To World,' Family Says

WYCKOFF, NJ — A man with special needs who was struck and killed by a car last month was "a gift to the world," says an obituary posted for him this week.

Matthew John Ritter, 30, was described as "a beloved son, brother, nephew, cousin and friend ... Matthew was a gift to the world bringing light and joy to every person he met," says the obit.

Ritter died in the crash near the intersection of Cedar Street and Maple Avenue around 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 28, said a spokesperson for the Fair Lawn police last month. His father, 61, also of Wyckoff, was injured, the spokesperson said.

They were trying to cross the street from the Knights of Columbus at 16 Maple Ave. when they were hit, police said. Both were brought to St. Joseph's Hospital in Paterson. No summonses were issued.

The obituary says that Ritter was a graduate of the Phoenix Center in Nutley and a participant of both the Bergen County Special Services Adult Program in Paramus and Camp Acorn in Mahwah.

"Matthew was a bright light in the BCSS Adult Programs," wrote a commenter on the obituary.

Ritter was also a member of the Angels baseball team in the Saddle Brook Challenger League, the obit says, and was a weekly parishioner at St. Elizabeth's Church in Wyckoff.

Services will be held at a later date. The family is asking for donations in lieu of flowers. Find out more in the obit here.