Name: Celebration of Life for Ritz Naygrow
Start: 2024-04-01T11:00:00.000Z
End: 2024-04-01T12:30:00.000Z
Location: East Lawn East Sacramento

Ritz Naygrow

December 3, 1920 - November 22, 2023

Sacramento, California - Ritz was born in Weed California to John Negro (deceased 1976) and Teresa Barbieri (deceased 1925). Ritz graduated from Sacramento High School in 1939 and attended Sacramento City College.He was drafted by the Navy during World War II, while his father John was sent to an Italian immigrant detention facility in Angels Camp, California. Ritz married his loving wife Mildred "June" Brandon on November 22, 1942. They were married for 62 years until June's death in 2005. Ritz's only sibling, Gilberta Mooney, died in 1986.

Ritz and June founded Feather River Spring Water on April 1, 1950.They subsequently acquired many other bottled water companies, including Sierra Spring Water Co. When the combined company sold in 1988, it was serving over 150,000 customers in fourteen states and western Canada.

Ritz served two terms on The Sacramento City Council. He was also a director on the board of Sumitomo Bank and served on several charities in the Sacramento region. Ritz is survived by two children and three grandchildren.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Sacramento Bee on Dec. 10, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Ritz Naygrow

20 Entries

Mr. Crowley

July 23, 2025

Bloody hell... Ritz is gone. And I still can´t believe it. They don´t make `em like him anymore - never did, really. Ritz was one of a kind. A proper legend. The kind of bloke who could crush your hand in a handshake and still smile at you like you were made of glass. His grip was the stuff of myth. I used to tell people, "That ain´t arthritis in my knuckles - that´s Ritz."He had these iconic hands - not just strong, but earned. Hands that worked, built, lifted, lived. You´d look at ´em and know this man´s seen real life and didn´t flinch once. Hell, I swear he could´ve snapped a mic stand in half if he got too emotional at a Sabbath show. But it wasn´t just the hands. It was his spirit. Ritz had this raw, no-nonsense energy. Didn´t care for showbiz fluff or fake smiles - just honest talk, loud laughs, and loyalty you could set your watch to. A real rock in a world full of noise. The world feels a bit quieter now. A bit looser, without that legendary grip keeping things steady. Rest easy, Ritz. Give `em a good squeeze up there, mate. And save me a seat - but don´t break my bloody fingers when I get there.

All my love,

Elliot R

July 23, 2025

It took me some time, but I've finally been able to collect myself enough to be able to post this. News of your death hit me hard. A fellow supreme gentlemen, gone, taken from this earth. They didn't deserve you, the ladies didn't understand such a fine example of a real man such as yourself. I modeled my self after you, truly the example of supreme sophistication. The world has become that much less sophisticated without you in it, but heaven has become that much better. Thank you for everything Ritz, truly a supreme gentleman of the finest caliber. Heh... yes...

Ziad J.

January 16, 2025

Hello my good friend Naygrow. I was so saddened to hear about your passing, my heart was like a tower collpasing. This was a dark day in my life my friend. I remember when you there for my pilot training course. You always told me to aim for the middle on the instruments. Thank you again friend Naygrow. You are missed dearly. Go with God.

Tyrese

January 3, 2025

yo wat is up my Naygrow! sorry i ain't get a chance to leave my condolences, you were a real one Ritz. Eva since you helped us out bruh everythings been bussin. Keep it real playa, keep makin them fat stacks up in heaven. Peace.

Ronnie M

January 3, 2025

Hey Ritz, it's Ronnie here. I was so saddened to hear about your passing. You really helped me through all the hard times I was going through and even offered me a job at your restaurant to help keep me afloat. You were a great man and like a father to me. I can't believe this is real. I hope you're resting easy now Naygrow. Hey, I guess thats it.

Dylan K

January 2, 2025

Ritz and I used to watch the Red Sox together. He was a big sports fan. I'll never forget when he took this silly photo of me in the 90s. Rest easy big guy. You will be missed.

Ricardo L

December 31, 2024

Hey Naygrow, I was deeply saddened to hear about your passing. I haven't had a chance to say anything until now. I remember you were the first one to show me how to make glizzies and introduce me to Bjork. You were a great mentor, you taught me many a great thing. I'm sorry we lost contact. Rest in peace, you were the bomb.

Jacob Turlow

December 31, 2024

Hi Ritz, it took me awhile to say this, as I was pretty broken up about your passing. You threw the best parties in that fancy lil hut of yours. I hope you're having fun up there in heaven!! I can't wait to be reunited.

Bryan Earnst

December 31, 2024

In loving memory of a wonderful person. I'll never forget meeting you. I was sitting in front of you at a Hockey game drinking my beer. You were so passionate about the game you embraced me with your strong hands. Shortly after I conversed with you and your good friend Leada. Rest in Peace Mr. Naygrow.

Jerry

November 21, 2024

Rest easy Naygrow. You are missed.

Universal Mobility

Planted Trees

Kaitlyn

December 17, 2023

I drove past the 102nd birthday sign at Richards and North 7th on my way to work multiple times a week. Realized his birthday just passed and didn´t see a new sign and looked up the news. I´m so sorry for the loss of Ritz. My husband and I send our condolences. We are very impressed by Ritz, his achievements and loved seeing his birthday sign.

Kathy Stricklin (Mast)

December 16, 2023

Oh my, this saddens me so. Although, I am gladdened as well knowing that Ritz and June are together for all eternity. I can see them, holding hands across a table in a heavenly Espanol. Ritz and June were like 2nd parents, and the few times we ran into them at Espanol, we picked up on old times where we left off the last time. I will never forget his fatherly advice, honesty, and encouragement. The world is a far better place for his time here. Rest In Peace dearest Ritz...

Felix and Beth Smith

December 14, 2023

We first met June and Ritz Naygrow in mid 1960s at St Pauls Lutheran Church. We were a young family. Since they had two boys June adored our little girl Flo. That was the start of a long friendship. Over the years we kept in touch and would drop by when we were in the area. When our Ed was looking for a job Ritz said come on down. He worked at Sierra Spring for several years. Later our Ed went on to Sacramento State and got a Degree. Ritz was always there encouraging him to go to the next level. Ritz and June contributed to several community features to improve the lives of everyone. His support of the Colonial Heights Public Library and the June and Ritz Breathing therapy center at Mercy are just 2 examples. What ever June and Ritz did it was to make the community better for all. He will be missed but he contributed much.

Richard Thurn

December 11, 2023

A great life well spent! Will be missed.

Mary Just

December 10, 2023

Tom, I am so sorry for your loss
Mary Just

Richard Ritz

December 10, 2023

Long time family friend,
Pleasure to have known him. God bless Rest In Peace Ritz
Ritz family

Todd Setzer

December 10, 2023

My condolences to Tom
and the family. RIP Ritz

Tom Campbell

December 9, 2023

A fine gentleman in absolutely every sense, Ritz was a cherished pal of mine from our days of playing tournament poker at Sacramento's Capital Casino. Years ago, Ritz was kind enough to give me a copy of his biography. I enjoyed he story of a remarkable self-made man. RIP Sir - I will hope to see you again in the next life.