Nicholas P. Ritzko

Nicholas P. Ritzko
On October 15, 2022, the world lost a man with one of the biggest hearts and personalities. Nicholas "Nick" P. Ritzko, of Coaldale, PA, was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother.
Nick Ritzko was welcomed into the world on November 13, 1948, by Peter Ritzko and Marion Ritzko Darker. He went to Panther Valley High School, where he said he achieved a very "patriotic" report card (Cs, Ds, and red Fs).
It was at this high school that he met his wife of 51 years, Maria Ritzko, born as Yanacek. They both often joked that he was her "51 year hangover" since they were married on her 21st birthday on May 15, 1971.
Throughout his life, he was in the Air Force, worked at Western Electric for 32 years, was the former owner of Tommy's Hoagies in Lansford and Hazelton, PA, owned the Panther Valley Laundromat and Mr. Buster's Dog Wash in Lansford, PA, and worked at the Pennsylvania Turnpike until his retirement in 2021.
It was during his employment at the Turnpike that people knew him for the phrase "Living the dream," when asked how his day was going.
Nick Ritzko's best known attribute was undoubtedly his big heart. It was this heart of his that led him and his wife to adopt their daughter, Annette Schweiger, formerly Ritzko, on June 13, 1999.
This enormous heart of his had extended to any person or animal in need of help. He was a big supporter of the Carbon County Community Animal Shelter and was deeply moved by the struggle of the people in Ukraine. He also knew how important adding a little extra joy to the world was. He was one of the main reasons Coaldale, PA got Christmas lights on their street lamps, and it always brought him joy to play Santa Claus for any child whether they were family members or those children who most needed a little extra joy in their lives.
Lastly, no obituary for Nick Ritzko would be complete without mentioning his beloved current pets, Mousie and Buddy, and his former pets, Peanut "Digger," Nikkie, Moochie, Duster, Galoot and Buster.
He is survived by his wife, Maria A. Ritzko, formerly Yanacek; daughter, Annette Schweiger, formerly Ritzko, married to Jacob Schweiger; grandson, Peter J. Ritzko; sister, Marianne Cutler, married to David Cutler; brother, John "Jack" Ritzko, married to Shirley; and brother, Joseph Ritzko, married to Susan.
He will be welcomed into heaven by his parents, Peter Ritzko and Marion Ritzko Darker; and his brother, John Ritzko.
Service: Memorial Mass of Christian Burial 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 22, St. Joseph Parish of the Panther Valley, 462 W. Ludlow St., Summit Hill. Interment will be held at a later date. Call 10-11 a.m. Saturday in the church. Arrangements by Thomas J. Parambo Funeral Home, Summit Hill. CASH contributions may be made to Carbon Co. Community Animal Shelter. Online condolences can be offered at www.parambofh.com.