Curt D. RITZEN

RITZEN, Curt D. Curt D. Ritzen, 84 of Vernon and the beloved husband of Dorothea (Gervais) Ritzen, passed away peacefully after a long illness on Saturday, (March 26, 2011). Born in Ornskoldsvik, Sweden on April 25, 1926, he was the son of the late Victor Gulbrand Ritzen and Clara (Larsson) Ritzen, and brother of the late, Cyril, Kenneth and Roy Ritzen. Curt grew up in Warwick, RI and was a veteran of WWII having served in the U.S. Army. After the war he attended the University of Rhode Island, graduating with an engineering degree and later graduated with a Master's Degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He was employed by Pratt and Whitney Aircraft for 35 years as a gear designer and retired in 1989. After retirement, Curt and Dot spent many wonderful winters at their place in Bradenton, FL. He was a member of Emanuel Lutheran Church, Manchester, CT, the Pioneer Lodge, #506, VOA of Cranston, RI, the Suncoast Swedish Veteran Chorus AUSS, the Scandinavian Club of Pinellas Park, FL, the Vernon Square Dance Club and he was also a 50-year member of the Masons, Fayette Lodge #69, A.F. & A.M., Rockville, CT. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Dottie; daughters Deborah Rhinesmith (Jon) of Manchester, Doreen Burns (Mitchell) of East Hartford; grandsons Peter Rhinesmith and Steven Rhinesmith (Kaitlin), Alexander Burns; granddaughter Amanda Burns; a brother, Eric (Dottie) Ritzen of Wirtz, VA and brother-in-law and sister-in-law Robert and Doreen Anderson of Cranston, RI, along with many nieces and nephews. Family and friends are invited to attend calling hours on Tuesday, March 29, from 5-8 p.m., with a Masonic Service conducted at 7 p.m. at Watkins Funeral Home 142 East Center St. Manchester. A graveside burial service will be held Wednesday, March 30, 11 a.m. in East Cemetery 220 East Center St., Manchester, followed by a Memorial Service at 12 noon at Emanuel Lutheran Church, 60 Church Street Manchester. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that a memorial donation may be made to Emanuel Lutheran Church, 60 Church Street, Manchester, CT. For directions to the funeral home or to sign the online guestbook please visit www.holmes-watkinsfuneralhomes.com