Robert A. Ritz

Robert Andrew Ritz, 77, of Port Huron, died Saturday, February 9, 2019.

He was born August 23, 1941 in Yale to the late Lloyd and Mildred Ritz. He married Margaret Jean Karl on November 26, 1960 in St. Joseph Catholic Church, Port Huron.

Bob served in the United States Army from 1959 to 1962 and was formerly employed with Coca Cola/All Star Services, retiring as Vice President of Operations.

Bob loved hydroplane racing, motorcycles, fast snowmobiles and had the need for speed. His racing friends called him “Banzai Bob.” When he wasn’t going fast, he was an avid golfer. He was a member of Port Huron Yacht Club, Port Huron Elks Lodge #343, Mesick Amvets Post 120, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles Blue Water Aerie #3702. Bob and Jean loved spending their winters in Florida.

Bob is survived by his wife, Jean; two children, Jill (Howard) Malloy and Chris (Vallery) Ritz; and his granddaughter, Haley Malloy. He was preceded in death by his brother, Tom Ritz.

Visitation will be 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday in the Karrer-Simpson Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Thursday, February 14, 2019, in the Karrer-Simpson Funeral Home, with visitation starting at 10 a.m. Deacon Dennis Crimmins will officiate.

Burial will be in Mt. Hope Cemetery with military honors conducted under the auspices of the United States Army and the St. Clair County Allied Veterans Honor Guard. Pallbearers will be Howard Malloy, Mike Weber, Rick Mercurio, John Harrar, Jim Hepting and Tom Wittliff.

The family prefers donations be made to the Marine Prop Riders, P.O. Box 71, Washington, MI 48094-9998.