John Michael Ritoch

John was born to John George Ritoch and Anna Lazorchak on 7 February, 1939 in Garfield, New Jersey. As he was growing up, the family moved between New Jersey and Delaware as his father's employment required. In his teens, the family moved out west where he graduated from Phoenix Union High School. He attended, and graduated from, Arizona State University while working summers for the Forestry Department. Upon graduation, John went to work for the California Department of Transportation as a civil engineer for ten years. An architectural/engineering firm then recruited him to return to Phoenix where he handled projects in Arizona and other western states for six years.

In 1978 he was a founding partner of the company that grew into the successful and respected firm of Ritoch-Powell and Associates. John was personally responsible of the design of hundred of miles of ADOT highways, thousands of miles of municipal streets and over thirty parks we all enjoy to this day. A diligent and meticulous civil engineer, he served as the President of the Arizona Society of Professional Engineers, American Council of Civil Engineers-Arizona, and the Arizona Chapter, American Public Works Association.

John’s desire to be of help to others led him to his joining Rotary International where he served as the President of the North Phoenix Rotary club and was an enthusiastic bell ringer for the Salvation Army among other charitable activities.

Retiring in 2006, John’s love of golf kept him occupied as he travelled the West, and often Hawaii, with his partner of 17 years, Sunny Perry, to play the game he loved. His travels to keep an eye on his daughters leave his survivors with cherished memories

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by brothers Ronald, Joseph, and Thomas and Grandson Joshua Draper. He is survived by his daughters, Amy Draper (Jimmie) of Austin Texas, Mary Beth Bellah (Donald) of Charlottesville, Virginia, and Teresa Murphy (Jack) of Portsmouth, Virginia. Also surviving is his sister Barbara McAnnis of Madras, Oregon, Grand Children Alex and Jessica, great-Grand Children, and many nieces and nephews.

The Celebration will be held Thursday, January 23,2025. Contact Phoenix Memorial Park & Mortuary for additional information.

To send expressions of sympathy to John‘s family, or upload a photograph, or to share a fond memory with John’s family please visit www.phoenixmemorialmortuary.com