May 3, 2008 2 min read

Joseph R. Ritz, Sr., 92, of Lemont Furnace, Pa., passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 1, 2008, in Uniontown Hospital.

… Joseph R. Ritz, Sr., 92, of Lemont Furnace, Pa., passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 1, 2008, in Uniontown Hospital.

He was born on November 11, 1915, in Uniontown, Pa., son of Nicholas J. and Elizabeth (Amandola) Ritz.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother and two sisters, Mildred Richnafsky Federici, Luigi Ritz and infant, Rose Ritz.

Joseph proudly served his country during World War II in the United States Army. He served as interpreter and anti-submarine patrol, receiving a Good Conduct Medal, Distinguished Unit Badge, and European, African, Middle Eastern Service Medals with three Bronze Stars.

He was a lifelong member of Saint Therese Roman Catholic Church and also member of the former Holy Name Society, a lifetime member of the Sons of Italy, and was a life member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 47 and American Legion Post 51.

Joseph was a retired local businessman, owner and operator of Joe Ritz Auto Sales for many years.

Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife, Mary Ethel (Wilkinson) Ritz, with whom he would have celebrated 62 years of marriage on May 18, with their children: JoAnn M. Ritz, Rose Marie Tobak and husband, Michael J. Tobak, Jr., Janet E. Ritz, Nicholas J. Ritz and Joseph R. Ritz, Jr., and wife, Susan Fike Ritz; five grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren; a sister, Jeanette Motsco Roman; and many nieces and nephews.

Friends will be received in the STEPHEN R. HAKY FUNERAL HOME, INC., 603 North Gallatin Avenue Extension, Uniontown, Pa., on Sunday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m., and Monday, May 5, 2008 until 9 a.m. when Prayers of Transfer will be said.

A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 9:30 a.m. in Saint Therese Roman Catholic Church with Reverend Father Kenneth G. Zaccagnini as Celebrant.

Entombment will be held in Sylvan Heights Cemetery Chapel of Memories Mausoleum where Military Honors will be accorded by VFW Post 47.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Joseph’s memory to your church, favorite charity or the following organizations: Disabled Veterans – Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 47, Alzheimer’s Association or Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Your personal tributes and memories are welcomed and encouraged at www.hakyfuneralhome.com