Robert Walker Ritzert, age 87, died peacefully on July 1, 2014 in Lantana, FL. Born in East Haven, CT, Bob spent his childhood in Copiague, New York where he met his wife of 65 years.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Carl Ritzert and Eva Vath Ritzert, his wife Gloria Catherine Lyons, and sister, Norma Shippee. He is survived by his three daughters, Lynne (Bruce) Naylor of Nashville, TN, Robin (Clifford) Blom of Lake Worth, FL, and Gail (Barbara) Ritzert of Huntington, NY. He is also survived by his brother, Winfield Vath Ritzert of Copiague, NY; 5 grandchildren, Robert (Mattie) Naylor, Ryan (Lindsay) Naylor, Major Gregory (Dawn) Blom, Kyle (Tammy) Blom, and Brittany (Tony) Blom Davis; 5 great-grandchildren, Jacob Robert Naylor, Joshua Naylor, McKenna Naylor, Brody Walker, Emily Blom.
Bob proudly served his country in the Korean conflict. He was a life time member of the Copiague Volunteer Fire Department serving as Captain of the Eagle Engine Company and Department Chief. He went on to serve as the Chairman of the Suffolk County, NY Chiefs Association. Bob was an active member of the West End Republican Club.
He was an avid sportsman and owned Creative Fly Fishing in Oakdale, NY before moving to Florida in 1991. He was a member of the Wellington Golf Club and enjoyed countless hours fishing with friends and family. He is remembered for his many talents, good humor and positive spirit.
Military funeral services will be held graveside at 2:45 PM on Friday, July 18, 2014 at the Florida National Cemetery in Lake Worth, Florida. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Hospice of Palm Beach or the charity of your choice.