Robert Ritzie
Mystic — Robert Henry Ritzie, 87, of Mystic, beloved husband of Eleanor (Cofone) Ritzie for 64 years, passed away Thursday, July 27, 2017, at the Mystic Healthcare and Rehab Center after an extended illness.
Born in New London, he was the son of the late Henry and Esther (Bethel) Ritzie and lived in Mystic for most of his life. Henry enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1949 serving in Japan during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in 1951, earning the rank of sergeant first class. Following his service, he attended the UConn School of Engineering, earning his Bachelor of Science degree in 1956 in mechanical engineering.
He was employed for 36 years at Dow Chemical Allyn’s Point Plant as a mechanical and project engineer. He served as manager of technical services as well as superintendent of styron production among other positions, and was awarded two patents. He was a member of the Groton Elks Club, VFW Hugo Simonelli Post 3263 Mystic and was a communicant of St. Patrick Church, Mystic.
In addition to his wife, he leaves his children, Joyce R. Geyer and her husband, Jeff, of Houston, Texas and Robert H. Ritzie Jr. of Mystic; grandchildren, Pamela and her husband, Benjamin Inners, of Alexandria, Va., Katherine and her husband, Christopher Graf, of Houston, Texas; and great-grandchildren, Griffin and Brooks Inners and Ainsley and Grayson Graf.
He was predeceased by a son, Anthony R. Ritzie in 2015. Henry was known for his warm and compassionate personality, as well as his inquisitive and inventive nature. He will be truly missed by the many lives he touched and influenced.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 3, at St. Patrick Church, 32 E. Main St., Mystic. Burial will follow with military honors at the Elm Grove Cemetery in Mystic. There are no calling hours.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Beacon Hospice, 11 Founders Plaza, East Hartford, CT 06118 or to the Mystic & Noank Library, 40 Library St., Mystic, CT 06355.
The Mystic Funeral Home, Route 1, has charge of arrangements.