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Lee Ritzinger Obituary

Lee W. Ritzinger

AGE: 80 • Wilmington

Lee W. Ritzinger, of Wilmington, died Saturday, February 4, 2017 surrounded by his family.

Lee was born in Darby, PA. He served his country in the Air Force for four years before attending Philadelphia College of Art. He worked as a successful graphic artist in Wilmington, eventually owning and operating his own studio, Visual Arts, for many years before suffering a stroke in 1986.

Lee was a larger-than-life personality who was always available to lend a hand to a friend. While raising his four children, Lee was active in his church, St. Paul's United Methodist, and painted several life sized murals which adorned the church for many years. Lee loved to dance and he and Alice had many close friends with whom they enjoyed spending time.

Lee was the loving son of the late Carl and Helen Ritzinger. He was also predeceased by his brothers Donald and Phillip Ritzinger.

Beloved husband of 54 years to Alice; devoted father of Lisa Bollinger (Jeff) of Newark, Lore Orendorf (Dave) of Hockessin, Kristen Anderson (Kelly) of Wilmington, and Brian Ritzinger (Laura) of Wilmington; and loving grandfather of Emily, Matthew, Andrew, Zachary, Amber, Maggie, Caroline, and Molly. Lee is also survived by his brother Paul Ritzinger (Carol) of Daytona Beach, FL, as well as many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the caring staff of Regal Heights in Hockessin.

All services will be private.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations be made in Lee's name to the B+ Foundation (www.beposfdn.org/donate)

www.mccreryandharra.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The News Journal from Feb. 7 to Feb. 12, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
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Nanvy Lee

February 8, 2017

He will be missed. Rest in peace. My thoughts and prayers are with Alice and the rest of the family. Sincerely Nancy Lee

Susan Hendrich

February 7, 2017

Kristen, I am so sorry for your loss of your amazing father. Some of my best memories growing up took place in your warm and vibrant childhood home, with the sound of your parents' laughter upstairs on the back porch, as we all piled into your basement to watch latest video tape. Your father created a party atmosphere wherever he went. In our later years, the twinkle in his eye only became more sparkly, and he always made me feel welcomed. You have so much of his humor, strength, wit, and creative talent. The girls also carry on his legacy of filling the room with joy and love. I am praying for you and Kelly and Maggie and Molly, and for your mom and your sisters and brother, as well as the countless others who loved your father so very much. My hope is that you find small comfort knowing that he rests in peace. I love you.

Peejy Ricci

February 7, 2017

I am very sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Ritzinger. I have many fond memories of him from high school while hanging with Lore and friends, especially his sense of humor. He also loved that video camera, and we can credit him with prom and football game footage that we otherwise would never have. His kindness is something I'll always remember. Peejy Ricci

Christine Steele

February 7, 2017

I drove past Lee's house everyday on my way to work.

One day, I had my hair up in hot rollers, which I often did driving to work....and Oh No..Lee had not left for work!!!!

Yikes, so I ducked down so he wouldn't see me...He never let me forget the day my Car went driving by his house without any driver.

God Bless you Lee, the Lord will be laughing for sure ....for your wonderful sense of humor.

Dennis Steele

February 7, 2017

I had The pleasure of working with Lee and Alice for many years ..... Lee never minced his words... one thing he said to me one day as we worked and I was singing from the other room my office!.... was "Dennis if you knew as much about artwork as you do about the Beatles songs you sing we would both be millionaires!!!" and we just laughed and I went back to singing to him! I've often thought of the insane work we did together .... and the time Alice put him on a diet...and he became so weak from lack of nutrition he had to sneak out for breakfast and made me promise not to tell Alice .... well all I can say is my loose lips sunk Lee's ship that day Right Alice!!!! I loved Lee very much he was kind of an older brother to me at times!!! God Bless!

Dan & Mary Monagle

February 7, 2017

Alice,
Very sorry to read of Lee's passing. May he now rest in peace. He was a great neighbor, a great person .Know you are in our thoughts and prayers.

February 7, 2017

My condolences. Made the thoughts at Hosea 13:14, where God promises to reverse deaths effects, bring a measure of comfort during this difficult time.

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