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CORTLAND -- Carl E. Ritch, 92, passed away peacefully Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at Otterbein Lake Vista.
Carl, born July 3, 1933, and raised in Warren, was a graduate of St. Mary's School. Previously employed at Thomas Steel, he became a co-owner of J&R Glass, where he retired. He was very proud of identifying the buildings where his windows were installed.
His greatest joy was spending time with the love of his life, Edith; they were married Oct. 18, 1969, and were together for 51 years. They traveled the world to 30 countries exploring new places and meeting new lifelong friends. An active member of St. Thomas and St. Pius X churches, he enjoyed participating in fundraising events for festivals, dances and Friday fish fries. He and Edith were clown ministry members, visiting many nursing homes and hospitals, spreading joy. Carl enjoyed creating palm decorations for St. Thomas' Palm Sunday display. He enjoyed contributing to the community. Embracing his Italian-American heritage, he served on the first organizing board of the Warren-American Heritage Festival and served as the decorations chairman for several years.
Carl had many hobbies. An avid fan of OSU and Northwestern football, he and Edith attend many football games, including Northwestern games when his nephews played. They also enjoyed watching and listening to the Cleveland Guardians. As a young man, he enjoyed playing tennis and served as the president of the Warren Tennis Club. During retirement, he enjoyed creating beautiful stained-glass projects and caning chairs. More recently, he enjoyed playing bingo with fellow Otterbein residents.
Carl is survived by four generations of nieces and nephews, extended family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Edith D'Altorio Ritch; parents, Joseph and Fannie Ritch; brother, Albert (Rose, Jackie); and sisters, Angelina Ritch, Sister Mary Mark Ritch and Lucy (Joseph) Patrnchak.
Family and friends may visit and pay tribute to Carl 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Friday, March 20, 2026, at the Peter Rossi and Son Memorial Chapel, 1884 North Road NE, Warren, OH 44483. A funeral Mass will begin at 11 a.m. Friday at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 4453 Warren Sharon Road, Vienna, OH 44473.
The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the staff of Otterbein Lake Vista for the excellent care that they provided to Carl.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 4453 Warren Sharon Road, Vienna, OH 44473; or to Otterbein Lake Vista activities department, 303 N. Mecca St., Cortland, OH 44410.
Family and friends may visit www.peterrossiandsonfh.com to view this obituary and send condolences to Carl's family.
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