Martin Richard Ringel

Martin Richard Ringel, known affectionately as "Ricky" or "Tiny" to friends and family, passed away peacefully March 8, 2026 at age 74 in New Haven, Connecticut. Rick was born in Paterson, New Jersey on June 8, 1951 to Howard and Doris Ringel. He graduated from Flushing High School and attended Nathaniel Hawthorne College before going to work for his family at Flushing Health Foods, marking the beginning of a career in the health food industry that would include the ownership of two stores and span more than 40 years. In 1975, his "BFF to infinity" Michael Montalbano introduced him to the woman who would become the love of his life. In 1977, he married Elizabeth Webster, with whom he fathered four children who all love him very much.

Rick had an excellent memory, and was fond of showing it off by recalling trivial details to those around him. His love of doing this was perhaps only rivaled by his love of terrible puns, which he shared with his brother and (regrettably) passed on to his children. More importantly, even through the ups and downs of his own life, Rick was always willing to show extraordinary kindness and offer help to those around him. Sometimes this meant offering advice or helping a friend through graduate school; other times, it meant welcoming his children's friends into his home during rough times, for as long as they needed to stay. His greatest generosity, however, was reserved for his family, to whom he was immensely devoted. Through countless musical performances, volleyball games, academic ceremonies and school plays, he was always there to support his family in any and all things, often with his signature phrase, "Have fun, be careful!"

He is predeceased by his parents, Howard and Doris, and is survived by his wife Elizabeth Ringel, his brother Charles Ringel (Carole), his children Jonathan Ringel (Nelly), Katherine Ringel (Brian), Nancy Ringel (Tyler) and James Ringel (Tara), and his grandchildren Elisa Ringel, Martina Ringel, and Paden Ringel Whitmer.

In lieu of a formal ceremony, the family will host a celebration of Rick's life on Saturday, March 21 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at The Pastime Club at 59 Seaview Avenue in Norwalk, Connecticut. Please dress casually, as Rick certainly would have. In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in his name would be appreciated. Rick's ethos is perhaps best embodied by something he once told his daughter: no matter how little you have, you can always afford to be generous!