Mr. Gerard C. Ritzel, 95, of Clark Mills, NY, passed away on Monday, March 16, 2026 at the Charles T. Sitrin Health Care Center in New Hartford with his loving family by his side.

    Gerard was born in Utica on November 15, 1930, the son of Charles and Anna (Skube) Ritzel. He was raised and educated in Utica and was a proud graduate of Utica Free Academy. Gerard honorably served his country in the United States Army from 1951 until his discharge in 1953. On April 23, 1955, Gerard was united in marriage to Helen Agnes Nester at St. Mary’s Church in Clinton. Their marriage was a loving and devoted union that spanned 44 years, until Helen’s passing in 1999. Gerard was employed at Griffiss Air Force Base in Rome, where he dedicated 32 years of service before his retirement. He was a member of American Legion Utica Post 229 in North Utica, American Legion Post 26 in Clark Mills, and a Third Degree member of the Knights of Columbus Council 189 in Utica/NY Mills. Gerard found joy in life’s simple pleasures. He enjoyed visiting garage sales, playing board games, watching classic movies, and writing poetry. He was also known for his thoughtful letters to the editor, local officials, and others whenever he felt compelled to share his voice. Above all, Gerard cherished time spent with his family—whether during holidays, Father’s Day celebrations, or a simple backyard cookout.

    Gerard is survived by his four sons and three daughters-in-law: Christopher and Mary Ritzel of West Winfield, William and April Ritzel of Whitesboro, Kenneth and Emaline Ritzel of Utica, and Joseph Ritzel and Christine Chelle of Ohio. He is also survived by his companion, Vivian Gorman of Waterville; his cherished grandchildren: Patrick Ritzel; Johnathon (Ashley) Ritzel; Christopher (Alison) Ritzel, Jr.; Amy Ritzel (Sal Rosabianca); Maria Ritzel; Rachael (Brian) Wilczak; Vinnie Esposito (Will Elchert); Bill Ritzel (Sarah Criossman); Anthony, Carmen, Moriah, Kenya, Coco, Kenny, Jr., Tanaya, Shania, Joseph, Andrew Ritzel, and Bradley Ritzel. He is further survived by 10 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his beloved wife, Helen, and his parents, Charles and Anna, Gerard was predeceased by his sons, Gerard Ritzel, Jr. and Steve Ritzel; his cherished granddaughter, Christina Ritzel; his brothers, Charles and Bernard Ritzel; and his sister, Alice Fischer.

     Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Gerard’s Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Peter’s Church, 422 Coventry Ave., North Utica. He will be laid to rest alongside his beloved wife at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Utica later in the spring. Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, March 24, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Heintz Funeral Home, 408 Herkimer Rd., North Utica.

     Gerard’s family warmly invites all to join them for a celebration of life at American Legion Utica Post 229, 409 Herkimer Road, North Utica, at 11:30 a.m. following the funeral Mass.

     In honor of Gerard’s deep love for dogs, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to a local animal rescue or shelter in his name.