Ronald Leroy Ritz, 72, of Williamsport, Maryland, died November 5, 2023, at Cumberland Healthcare Center after a battle with dementia.

He was born on September 15, 1951, in Cumberland, Maryland. He was the son of the late Leroy Ritz and Ella (Grimm) Ritz. He is also preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Jean (Bennett) Ritz, and sister, Sandra Kay Hutt.

Ron was a graduate of Fort Hill High School. Ron worked for the Maryland State Highway Administration as a project engineer for over 41 years and retired in 2015. In 1995, he received a Governor's Citation for being an exemplary employee in the State of Maryland.

Ron was a talented carpenter and built his own home. He enjoyed helping others with home improvements, going to Busch Gardens with his son and granddaughter, video graphing weddings, and creating local commercials. Ron never met a stranger that he was unwilling to help. Ron was intelligent, witty, and charismatic.

Despite having only one hand, he was the goalie for the Cumberland Raiders Roller Hockey Team from 1966 until 1977. Ron helped the Raiders win two national championships and earned a spot on Team USA in 1974 as the best goalie in the country.

Ron is survived by his son Matthew Lee Ritz and his wife Kristin; granddaughter, Brooklynn L. Ritz; his sister Rita Rowan (Tim); brother-in-law Buddy Rowan; nieces Amy Rowan and Heather Peters (Pete); and special friend, Scott Turner.

Visitation will be on November 10, 2023, between the hours of 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. at Scarpelli Funeral Home, P.A., 108 Virginia Avenue in Cumberland, Maryland. A funeral service to follow at 2 p.m.

Interment will follow at Hillcrest Burial Park.

Pallbearers will be Scott Turner, Ross Clingan, Tim Paxton, and Pat Ferguson.

Donations may be made to the Allegany County Animal Shelter in memory of Ronald Ritz.