Michael J. Ritz

Michael J. Ritz

On December 3, 2025, of Washington Twp. Age 53. Beloved husband of Lori (nee Koehler). Devoted father of Michael II, and Ava. Cherished son of Walter Ritz and the late Patricia (nee Rasulo). Dear brother of Laurie Davidson (George). Son-in-law of Barbara and Robert Koehler. Loving brother-in-law of Vicki (the late Craig), Renee (Keith), and Allison (Alex). Loving uncle of George, Nicholas, Sarah, Amelia, Daniel, and Zachary.

Mike was a one of a kind guy, on and off the rink. It was the place where the nickname "Ritzy" was born.

Mike was a founding member of the Washington Township Ice Hockey Club (1990) and served as their first ever team captain. He was a High School All-Star selection, and was a prospect and attendee of the Philadelphia Flyers prospect camp also in the same year. He also was a selection for the Warminster Comets (1991). He then joined the Philadelphia Scorchers Roller Hockey Club (1992-94), NJ Fusion (1994-96) and the Professional Tour Mudcats team (1996-98). He then went on to play for the NJ Ottakringers (2001-02) of the North American Roller Hockey League (NARHL). After that, he joined the Tour Renegades (2002) of the Professional Inline Hockey Association (PIHA). Then went to the Garden State Ottakringers (2002-04), and the NJ Riot (2005) of the Major League Roller Hockey (MLRH) and then joined the Philadelphia Growl (2006-07, 2012-13) also of the PIHA. After having his family, he played in so many men's leagues, especially known for playing with his boys on Natty Ice.

Mike was also legendary guy on the bench as a coach. He started coaching in 1990 after high school as a practice coach of the Little Flyers Hockey Club. He then founded the Cougars Roller Hockey Club (1994) at the home rink Skaters Choice. He coached the Cougars 8u, 10u, 12u, and 14u teams until 2004. He loved sharing his passion, love, and dedication to the game of Hockey with everyone (especially with his son). Sharing the rink with him was a dream of his that came true. He cherished every time they had rink time.

Mike was a big family man. Family was number one for him. He was such a strong family guy. He prided himself on providing for everyone around him, especially his family, the best way he could. He was so selfless and willing to drop anything to help anyone that needed him. Mike was a devoted member of Cross Keys United Methodist Church who always worked hard for Trustees. He gave his kids the best lives they could have asked for. He hand built them a playground in their backyard that should have been a 4 person job that Mike finished with 1. Mike loved going on quad rides with his daughter, and camping with his family even when the weather was beyond freezing. He was a die-hard Philly Sports fan (especially the Flyers). He almost never missed a game. He also loved his Pizza, his Santucci's pizza at that matter.

His hugs held so much comfort and love, he was filled with so much joy and no matter what he was always there when you needed him. On most days, you'd find Mike in his garage playing music on his stereo working on something, whether that was the lawn, or building custom cabinets for inside the house. He took so much pride in what he made for himself and his family and will be missed so much forever.

A celebration of life will be planned at a soon later date.

Family and friends are invited to attend his viewing on Tuesday, December 9 th 5:00 – 8:00 PM at the Egizi Funeral Home, 119 Ganttown Road, Washington Twp. Funeral Service 8:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Mike Ritz Memorial Scholarship

https://www.gofundme.com/f/mike-ritz-memorial-scholarship?attribution_

"A Life Well Lived Is Worth Remembering"