Louis R. Ritzinger

Block Island

Harbor Master

Louis R. Ritzinger died May 30 in the care of Hospice of the Florida Suncoast at Palms of Pasadena Hospital in St Petersburg, Fla. He was born November 18, 1928, in New Haven.

Mr Ritzinger leaves behind his dear wife of 56 years, Emily M. Ritzinger; sons Gregory L. Ritzinger of Newtown and Kenneth R. Ritzinger of Clearwater, Fla.; daughter Cynthia L. Passmore of St Petersburg; daughters-in-law Josette and Christine Ritzinger; and son-in-law Ward Passmore. He also leaves his beloved grandchildren, Chelsea and Dorey Passmore of St Petersburg, and Louis, Evan, and Ellen Ritzinger of Newtown; as well as his sister, Ellen Gilpen of Block Island, R.I.; and many dear nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. Mr Ritzinger was preceded in death by his beloved grandson, Wren Louis Ritzinger of Exeter, R.I.; and his brother, Thomas W. Ritzinger of Plymouth, Mass.

Mr Ritzinger became a resident of Block Island, R.I., where his mother and father owned and operated the Vail Hotel and Country Club. He moved to Saint Petersburg in 2002. He served in the US Air Force, stationed in Hamilton, Bermuda. While there he met and married his wife, Emily.

He worked for Sikorsky Aircraft and Avco Lycoming Division in Stratford, then moved back to Block Island where he owned and operated Ballard’s Service Station and later Uncle Lou’s Cab Co. Mr Ritzinger was very interested in all aspects of Block Island. He was the island’s First Harbor Master of New Harbor and was instrumental in the installation of the island’s New Harbor moorings; he served on the Town Council and on many of the island’s various committees. He was most proud of the island’s 4th of July celebrations that he and his brother, Tom, helped to organize for many years.

He was a member of St Andrews Catholic Church and had served faithfully on its finance committee. He was also a member of the island’s American Legion Post 36 for 35 years and Branford Elks Club for 22 years. Mr Ritzinger had recently become a member of St Raphael’s Catholic Church in St Petersburg.

 A service was held at Anderson McQueen Funeral Home, St Petersburg, June 3. There will also be a service held on Block Island and will be announced in the Block Island Times at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to The Hospice of the Florida Suncoast, 5771 Roosevelt Boulevard, Clearwater FL 33760 or the Block Island Rescue Squad, PO Box 781, Block Island RI 02807.

The Newtown Bee        June 6, 2008