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BORN
1945
DIED
2024
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Jon Ritt Obituary
Born: March 9, 1945 in Elgin, IL
Died: January 8, 2024 in Atlanta, GA
Born to Wells and Pauline Ritt, Jon grew up in Crystal Lake, graduating Crystal Lake Community H.S. in 1963. After one year at the University of Illinois, and considering a call to ministry, he moved to Elmhurst College, graduating in Liberal Arts in 1967.
Jon's long career in market research began at Pillsbury in Minneapolis, then Weyerhauser in San Francisco. Jon earned an MBA from the University of Pennsylvania and went on to work in the fast food industry in Philadelphia, Charlotte, and Atlanta as a consultant and Research Director for Burger King, Arby's, Church's, and Popeye's.
In retirement, Jon chaired his city's Business and Industrial Development Authority. He remained a lay leader in Central Congregational UCC, Atlanta, lending his skills and compassion to the roles of Trustee, Deacon, Moderator, fundraiser, event chef, and able volunteer. He helped Central attain the status of "An Open and Affirming Congregation."
Jon died of heart failure January 8 at Emory Hospital in Atlanta. He lived independently at his historic College Park home until just weeks before his passing. He is survived by his brother Dayton Ritt and nephew Adam Ritt of Virginia Beach, Va. Jon's generosity, his informed and witty conversation, and his loving heart are deeply missed.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jon Ritt
Sponsored by A.S. Turner & Sons Funeral Home & Crematory.
Beverly Simmons
February 10, 2024
We are sad that our friend and client has gone on. We miss you and love you dearly the team at An Angels Touch Cleaning
Richard Hartz
February 2, 2024
I knew and loved Jon from my days in Minneapolis back in the late 70´s. With his passing, I feel a keening loss of the joy, wit and his passion for life. He has always been for me "the one who got away". I will not only never forget but will always remember him for who he was and be guided by his love, his kindnesses and what he gave to the world about him.
Richard Pfleger
January 25, 2024
He was a consummate host. I enjoyed a thanjsgiving dinner with a name place of of a miniature pumpkin and an orange rose
Noel M
January 25, 2024
Jon Ritt was a larger than life figure for decades here in College Park, with his big laugh, loud voice, and iconic home on Rugby with its rainbow flag.
Every Halloween he'd sit on his porch with a popcorn machine that appeared to serve trick or treaters. He was involved in so many aspects of civic life as a volunteer leader.
But what I remember most about Jon was when another icon of College Park, Carol Hendon, died in 2008. (We could write a book about her too!) Don had a memorial service for his wife Carol at their home on Cambridge after she passed.
I remember Jon having everyone close their eyes ... he said "Close your eyes and visualize Carol and what she meant to you." It was one of my favorite memorial services ever because of the way he brought forth the emotional tenor of the moment in a meaningful way.
I think we should do the same now. Rest in peace, Jon.
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Tom Spantideas
January 20, 2024
Day, sorry for your loss. I remember your family, especially your Mother and Father. I think about you and our classmates. Wish you the best!
Doug and Melinda Wieck
January 19, 2024
We loved Jon for his warm heart and caring nature. He was great fun to be around and was always a hospitable and welcoming host. His memory will be treasured.
Betty Stoltze
January 18, 2024
My sympathy to Dayton and Jon´s family and I´m sure many friends. We attended CLCHS together and with Nancy Saggars, Roger Zelus and many others we had great times. My sister, Marjo and Dayton were classmates too. He must have never lost his witty conversation and loving heart. Rest in peace.
Day
January 18, 2024
Reality arrived a week after Jon died when I knew I'd never hear his voice again except in my mind. Our weekly conversations will be sorely missed.
Mary Jane Ward Navota
January 18, 2024
My sincere sympathy on your loss. Jon certainly accomplished a lot in life & leaves many wonderful memories.
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People and places connected with Jon
Crystal Lake, IL
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