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Joseph M. Ritsi of Jacksonville, Florida, died on May 27, 2018. He was 66.
Mr. Ritsi was born September 12, 1951, in Astoria, raised in Miami and Montauk, and retired in recent years to Florida.
After serving in the Vietnam War, Mr. Ritsi retired from the U.S. Air Force as a staff sergeant and settled permanently in Montauk. There he raised his children and worked as a fisherman and for the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department. During his time in Montauk, he joined the Air National Guard reserves at the 106th Rescue Wing in Westhampton Beach. During his time in the Air Force and National Guard, he earned many honors including Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Ribbon, Air Force Overseas Short Tour Ribbon, Air Force Training Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal and Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon. He was very proud of his service to the country, survivors said.
Mr. Ritsi loved nothing more than being a father and grandfather, survivors said. He enjoyed sports, fishing, hunting, history, traveling, collecting vintage coins, classic cars, and animals.
Mr. Ritsi is survived by his children, Michael Ritsi, Jaclyn Roge, and Linda Roge; his mother, Christine Ruschmeyer Moore; four sisters, a brother, and seven grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 30, at 12:30 p.m. at the Montauk Community Church.
on Jun 19, 2018