About
DAVID RITZEL Obituary
DAVID J.
Of Monroeville, age 53, suddenly on Tuesday, January 24, 2017. Beloved husband of Rosamond "Rosie" (McGee) Ritzel for 20 years. Loving and dear father of Mara and Julia Ritzel. Brother of Laurette (Stephen) Bentz of Plum. David was born in East Pittsburgh and preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Bertha Ritzel, his sister, Carol Ritzel, and his brother, Larry Ritzel. David was a 1981 graduate of Turtle Creek Area High School and, in 1985, he graduated from Duquesne University with a Degree in Music Education. He began his career as a teacher of music at St. Mary of the Mount Grade School in Mt. Washington. He later was hired at Yough School District and after a few years at Yough, he accepted his current position at Leechburg School District where he has taught for 22 years. During his tenure at Leechburg, he has taught both at the elementary and high school level, and directed the band and chorus. He also directed many high school musicals at Leechburg and formerly directed the marching band. It has been his vocation to be a music teacher and, even during summer vacations, he was always anxious to get back to teaching 'the kids'. David also earned a Massage Therapy degree from CCAC and has treated many clients and friends. Friends are welcome on Friday from 3-8 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m.-12 noon at PATRICK T. LANIGAN FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY, TURTLE CREEK / MONROEVILLE CHAPEL, 1111 Monroeville Ave. at James St., Turtle Creek, 15145 (412-823-9350) where a Blessing Service will be held on Saturday at 12 noon. Memorial donations may be sent to the Music Department of the Leechburg School District, 210 Penn Ave., Leechburg, PA 15656.
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February 8, 2017
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
Diane
February 2, 2017
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.
Jennifer Turner
January 30, 2017
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
Joan Garzarelli
January 27, 2017
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
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January 27, 2017
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
Lynn
January 27, 2017
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.
Jim Smith
January 26, 2017
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.
Deena (Newsom) Swank
January 26, 2017
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.
Jean Hetherington
January 26, 2017
You will be missed by all the people you helped by massage and your kind words.
Rest in peace.
Autumn Le Sueur
January 26, 2017
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.
Don Varuola
January 26, 2017
Rest in Peace Dave. You
Pat Cavanaugh
January 26, 2017
Godspeed to you Dave. You'll be missed.
Working with you has always been a blast.
Armstrong County Band Festival Co-Creator.
Cynthia Portman
January 26, 2017
Rest In Peace, Dave. Your health struggles are over and you are whole and well in heaven.
Richard Kacin
January 26, 2017
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.
Cara Zanella
January 25, 2017
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.
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1111 Monroeville Ave, Turtle Creek, PA 15145
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