Dolores "Dee" Ritz

Ritz, Dolores "Dee"

Dolores "Dee" Ritz of Mount Vernon passed away at her home on Thursday, Nov. 20, 2014. She was 80 years old. She was born on April 28, 1934 to Albert and Emma DiFiore in the Bronx, New York. Eventually, her family moved to Mount Vernon, where she graduated from Edison High School.

On May 5, 1956, Mrs. Ritz and James Ritz were married in Sacred Heart Church in Mount Vernon and began to raise a family on South First Avenue before settling into their current home on North High Street, where she lived for over 50 years. Mr. Ritz passed away in 1997. Mrs. Ritz was a dedicated volunteer in two local elementary schools for the last 15 years. For years she spent time at Hamilton School in Mount Vernon, where she earned recognition from the Board of Education as "Volunteer of the Year". Later, up until the time of her death, she served as an assistant in the library at Immaculate Heart of Mary School in Scarsdale. In each school, the children she worked with became "her kids".

The role she treasured most, however, was that of grandmother and, through the years, she took great pride in the various accomplishments of the apples of her eye, Jen and Michael Ritz. From nursery school recitals to college graduations, a beaming "Nanny Dee" was always front and center.

Mrs. Ritz is survived by her son, Ron Ritz, Esq. (and his wife, Michelle), her daughter Diane Slater (and her husband, Brian) and grandchildren Jen Ritz and Michael Ritz. She is also survived by her brother, Thomas DiFiore of Brewster, and nieces and nephews.

Friends may call at the Pelham Funeral Home, 64 Lincoln Ave,, Pelham, NY on Saturday, Nov. 22 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 23 from 3:00-7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, Nov. 24 at 10 a.m. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Scarsdale. Interment Ferncliff Cemetery in Hartsdale. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mrs. Ritz's memory to: Immaculate Heart of Mary School, 201 Boulevard, Scarsdale, NY 10583.