Any mayoral duties in Lehighton will be handled by the head of borough council in the wake of the death of its leader.

Borough Mayor Clark A. “Shorty” Ritter, 78, of Lehighton, died Oct. 23 in his residence.

Up until his passing, Ritter had served as mayor of Lehighton for the past seven years.

The borough posted word of Ritter’s passing Saturday on its Facebook page.

“It is with profound sadness that the Borough of Lehighton announces the death of Mayor Clark Ritter,” the post states.

Ritter took his oath of office in 2018, and during his tenure led the helm of the Lehighton Borough Police Department.

He also garnered many other accomplishments including, but not limited to instituting programs for the benefit of all Lehighton citizens, both young and old, including “Talk with the Mayor,” “Neighborhood Watch,” and “Junior Mayor.” Ritter attended numerous meetings, business openings and public events, and enjoyed performing wedding ceremonies and advocating for the needs of the citizens of the borough.

He participated in school outreach, was a member of the COVID-19 Task Force, assisted in safe traffic and emergency planning as well as outreach for the community.

Ritter also led the Parks & Recreation Board, bringing Heritage Festival’s, Music in the Park and the Christmas tree Lighting to the community.

“Please keep Mayor Ritter’s family and friends in your thoughts and prayers,” the post states. “He will be missed by so many of the people he had encountered throughout his life.”

The borough office will be closed from 10 a.m. to noon Thursday in observance of Ritter’s funeral services.

Borough Council President Grant Hunsicker will discharge the duties of the mayor until Council can appoint a replacement for the duration of Ritter’s term.

Borough council is scheduled to meet at 6:30 p.m. Monday.