DAVID J. RITZEL

Dear David's Family I'm one of David' band students. My name is Samantha and I just wanted to say I'm sorry for your lose. All of us here at David Leech School all dearly miss him and that he is resting in peace in heaven

My condolences to Dave's family and loved ones. I was one of his medical massage patients. I always appreciated his concern and eagerness to help me and others. He was a kind gentleman. May the Lord comfort you all.

Dear Ritzel Family,

My name is Jennifer Turner. I was not able to attend Dave's viewings or funeral, so I wanted to reach out to you in another way. I worked with Dave at LASD. During my first year teaching there, I had Kindergarten drop-off duty in the morning and Dave had breakfast duty in the cafeteria right inside. It was the 2014-2015 school year. He was very welcoming and always made me laugh. We became morning duty buddies :-) I'm sad that I didn't get to see him more these past two years and make more memories with him, but I hope that the many memories you have with him help you through this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

-Jennifer

RIP Dave. Your years at Yough were few but the most important ones in our children's lives and you had a tremendous impact on them and us. You brought musical theater into our school and our lives forever. Your wit, passion for music and concern for your students will never be forgotten. You remain everyone's favorite music teacher. Deepest sympathy to Rosie, Maura, Julia and all your family, co-workers, and students. You will be forever remembered and loved. Joan and Len Garzarelli & Family

My thoughts and prayers for your family during this difficult time.
I graduated with Dave from Turtle Creek Area High School. I am glad to know that he went on the have a wonderful life and was surrounded by people that loved him.

God Bless You.

Lisa Ottavian - Sisco

I am very sorry for loss. Dave was my medical massage person. I enjoyed our conversations. He will be missed by many people. May all your wonderful memories you shared together help you through this difficult time.

RIP, Dave. Came to know Dave while I worked at Murphy's Music Center. Dave was a pleasure to work with and was always dedicated to the music program and his students at Leechburg. He will be greatly missed.

My deepest condolences. He was my math and music teacher at St. Mary of the Mount, and he remains one of my favorite teachers. Somehow he even got me to sing a solo on stage! I will always be thankful for that and for him believing in me.

You will be missed by all the people you helped by massage and your kind words.
Rest in peace.

Mr. Ritzel, you were such an inspiration for me at Leechburg High School in band and chorus, when you started in 1994. You will be missed. God bless.

Rest in Peace Dave. You

Godspeed to you Dave. You'll be missed.
Working with you has always been a blast.
Armstrong County Band Festival Co-Creator.

Rest In Peace, Dave. Your health struggles are over and you are whole and well in heaven.

Dave was one of the kindest and most gentle men I've ever met. I started as his patient, but we became very good friends. I can no longer read anything about JFK or Westinghouse Electric without thinking of Dave. His humor and dry wit was iconic and his personal signature on life. He was brave, enduring much pain with his lifelong illness. In spite of that illness he was able to bring joy and relief to many with his healing hands and dedicated spirit. His first concern was for his family, then his patients and students. His love of music was his special gift to us all. Goodbye , my very gentle friend.

Dave was a wonderful human being and a tremendous therapist. His sense of humor and quick wit could brighten the darkest day. He always spoke passionately about his love of music, his wife and two beautiful daughters. He was my therapist for several years. He is the reason I was able to pursue my love of skating in the face of a torn hip and other muscles and bone issues. I am forever grateful for his extraordinary care, but mostly for the good conversations we shared about our educational experiences. My thoughts and prayers are with Rosie, Julia, and Maura. May your memories of Dave and the love you have for him in your hearts see you through the difficult days ahead. God bless you all.