A 1949 Baltimore Sun story detailed how Mr. Ritter, who was 6-foot-5, scored the first point in a basketball game in which underdog Towson beat Johns Hopkins in an upset. He also played tennis and soccer and in the summers ran the Towson Tennis Center, where he taught the sport to children.

"He was a talented person who was friendly and outgoing," said a former team member and Polytechnic Institute coach, George A. "Bucky" Kimmett of Lutherville, another member of the Hall of Fame.

He taught math and science at Towson Junior High School before he was drafted into the Army. Stationed in Karlsruhe, Germany, he edited his unit's newsletter, The Tracer, and was a guidon bearer, or flag carrier, family members said.

After his military service, he went into school administration. He was named vice principal of Arbutus Junior High and later became North Point Junior High's principal.

Mr. Ritter earned a master's degree in education from the University of Maryland and developed an appreciation for American folklore.

Mr. Ritter went on to be principal of Sparrows Point Junior-Senior High, Dulaney High and Towson High schools.

While at Towson High School, he requested an investigation by Baltimore County Police to determine if drugs were being sold among students. A young undercover narcotics officer posed as a student but found little trafficking.

He retired in 1981 from Johnnycake Junior High School.

Bud Ritter was a member of the Johns Hopkins University's chapter of Phi Delta Kappa. He also taught Sunday school classes at First English Lutheran Church.

He received a commendation from the Secondary School Administrators Association for his "significant contribution to American education by faithful leadership and untiring dedication and service to the youth of Baltimore County."

A toy and train collector since his childhood — he often spent time at French's on Baltimore Street and at Lycett's on Charles Street — Bud Ritter had numerous miniature lead figures, including military and farm scenes, made by the English toy maker, Britains.

In the 1980s, he worked alongside the owner of the old Antique Toy and Train World, a Falls Road shop in Hampden. He then opened his own business, the Buddy R. Toy Co., on Roland Avenue in Hampden.

He also repaired antique toys and trains. His daughter said he had a small basement workshop where he kept thousands of parts and tools. He met with fellow members of the Train Collectors Association and participated in spring and fall meets in York, Pa.

In addition to his wife of 60 years and daughter, survivors include another daughter, Holly Ritter Reasner of Hydes; and a granddaughter.