CROGHAN - Gerald M. "Jerry" Ritz, 89, died early Wednesday morning, July 6, 2016 at his home.

Mr. Ritz was born February 14, 1927 in Croghan, the son of the late Albert and LaNora (Brown) Ritz, where he attended rural school in Indian River and Belfort . He married Mary Ann Turck on September 20, 1947 at St. Stephen's Catholic Church with Rev. Hugh King O.F.M., officiating. Mary Ann died on Sunday, May 22 of this year.

He served in U.S. Navy Seabees during World War II and was honorably discharged. As a young man Jerry worked in Croghan at United Block until it burned down. He then went to work for A.M.F. in Lowville as an electrician in the maintenance department and retired after 44 years of service.

He is survived by his daughter, Bonnie S. Ritz; and his two sons, Daniel C. Ritz; and Larry J. and Kim Ritz all of Croghan; his grandson, David W. Ritz, his sister-in-law, Rose Marie Bruce; sisters-in-law, Edna and Jo Ritz, and Margaret, Evelyn and Elaine Turck; and several nieces and nephews.

Jerry is predeceased by his son, David G. who died while serving in Vietnam, two brothers, Carl and Robert Ritz, his sister, Lucille Chartrand and her husband Clifford; brothers-in-law, Earl Robert Bruce; Bernard (Nellie), Edward, Richard (Emma), Donald, Arthur, Robert (Joyce), Ralph, and James (Tammy) Turck.

Mr. Ritz was a communicant of St. Stephen's Catholic Church, Beaver River Memorial Post 1663, American Legion, and the Croghan Fire Department . Jerry loved hunting, and setting up hunting camp on state land. He loved spending time with his family.

A funeral mass will be said at St. Stephen's Catholic Church on Monday, July 11th at 10:30 A.M. with Rev. Daniel Chapin, Pastor officiating. Burial will be in St. Stephen's Cemetery with military honors. Per Jerry's wishes calling hours will not be observed.

Memorials in his name may be made to: Croghan Fire Department, P.O. Box 405 , Croghan , NY 13327 ; or Beaver River Memorial Post 1663, Box 217 , Croghan , NY 13327