Frank W. Ritz III

WILKES-BARRE — Frank W. Ritz III left this world and was called home to be with his Lord and Savior on May 7, 2016.

Born Sept. 12, 1949, in Wilkes-Barre, he was the son of the late Frank W. and Angeline "Nellie" (Racemus) Ritz.

Frank spent his late teenage years working at his father's hot dog stand in Hanover Township and later became a truck driver for the Acme Beverage Company in Ashley.

Frank was a 38-year veteran letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service, achieving many awards. Starting his career in 1973 in Berkley Heights, New Jersey, in 1984 he transferred to the Wilkes-Barre Post Office where he worked until his retirement in 2011. It was there that he and his co-workers developed what became lifelong friendships.

An avid fisherman, Frank loved spending time in his beautiful backyard, sitting next to his pond with his little dog, Bella, who brought him much joy. His true love was working as a Safety Official for the SCCA-sanctioned Giant's Despair Hill Climb in Georgetown, where he was affectionately known as 'Poppy' at the famous Devil's Elbow turn. He also participated as a Safety Official at several Pennsylvania 500 races at Pocono International Raceway in Long Pond.

Frank was a gentle soul and a handyman of all trades. He always made himself available when someone was in need of his help. He fulfilled the title "Big Brother" for his sister, Mary Beth, like no other brother could, hands down.

Frank will be greatly missed by his sister, Mary Beth Etzle, of Wilkes-Barre; nieces, Adrienne Miller Duda, Sara Jennifer Miller and Mary Elizabeth Bird, of Wilkes-Barre; many great-nieces and great-nephews, other family and friends.

Frank's entire family is grateful for the superb, compassionate and tireless care he received at Golden Living Center-Summit. Special thanks to Travis, the executive director, all nursing supervisors, various shift nurses, the Social Concerns department and, especially, Barbara, Karen, Michelle, Jody and Pat, to name a few. To say the least, they were Frank's guardian angels. Many more thanks to the numerous caregivers from AseraCare Hospice, who took Frank into their care and eased our pain during a most difficult time. Eternal thanks to Candice, Megan Robin, Kim and Pastor John, an amazing man with a gift from the Almighty, who we believe was the missing link to Frank's passing into eternal life, as his presence and guidance allowed us to assist Frank's transition to be with our Lord and God. May the peace of the Lord be with you all for your compassion, and may God bless you all for your infinite love.

Mary Beth extends very special thanks to Mary Ann and everyone involved with the Alzheimer's Support Group at the Meadows Nursing Center in Dallas for the unconditional love and support they shared with her over the past few years.

Celebration of Frank's Life will begin with a visitation from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at McLaughlin's, 142 S. Washington St. in Wilkes-Barre, and continue at 8:30 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home with a gathering, followed by a funeral Mass at 9:30 a.m. in the Church of Saint Nicholas. Interment will be in Saint Mary's Cemetery.

Memorial donations are preferred and may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.

Memories and condolences may be shared with Frank's family at www.lifecelebrations.com