He was born on November 16, 1924 in Ridgewood, NJ, the son of Frederick and Mary (Mapes) Ritz. He married Elsie McAdams on October 9, 1999.
For many years, Donald owned and operated Ritz Farms in Franklin. Along with his dairy farm, Donald worked for 20 years at Scintilla (Amphenol) in Sidney.
For many years he was a member of the Franklin Town Board, held a trustee position at the Aldrich Baptist Church, and sang bass with the Delaware County Men’s Choir. He had a beautiful singing voice.
Donald is survived by his wife Elsie Ritz of Franklin; a son, Jack and Marge Ritz of Franklin; a daughter Deb Brienza of Oneonta; his stepchildren, Carol and Bob Beierlein of Stamford, Deb and Dwight Bruno of Franklin, Dan Zurn of Franklin, Connie and John Kelly of Franklin, and Gary and MaryAnn Zurn of Bloomville; grandchildren, Mike and Dawn Ritz, Kelly and G.X. Cramette, Melanie and Tom Craig, and Kimball Brienza; great grandchildren, Jonathon and Kyle Ackley, and Hannah and Dylan Craig; step grandchildren, Jennifer Beierlein, Sean Kelly, Molly Kelly, Kim and Todd MacPherson, and Kevin and Jennifer McDonald; step great grandchildren, Ross and Sarah Todd, Michael, Brandon, Isabella, Gabriella, and Madyson McDonald, Riley MacPherson; as well as several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his first wife, Eileen Ritz; an infant son, John Ritz; his second wife, Vera Ritz; a brother, Paul Ritz; and a son in law, Tarry Brienza.
Calling hours will take place on Thursday, January 11, 2018 from 10-11am at the Aldrich Baptist Church, Rt. 28, Franklin, NY 13775, where a funeral service will take place immediately following at 11 am.
Burial will take place in the spring at Ouleout Valley Cemetery, Franklin.
In lieu of flowers, donations are asked to be made to the Aldrich Baptist Church, PO Box 174, Franklin, NY 13775.
Online condolences may be made by visiting www.bennettfh.com
Arrangements are by the Kenneth L. Bennett Funeral Home, Franklin.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.9.5