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Mr. Richard Carl Ritzo (Rich) Obituary

Mr. Richard Carl Ritzo (Rich)

December 26, 1949 - January 26, 2026

Mr. Richard Carl Ritzo (Rich) Obituary

Henderson, Nevada - Richard Carl "Rich" Ritzo, age 76, passed away on Monday, January 26, 2026, after a courageous year-and-a-half battle with cancer. He died in the comfort of his home, surrounded by love and the presence of family. Born in Trenton, New Jersey, Rich was the youngest of six children born to Chivert and Mary Sanzotta Ritzo. A true self-starter, Rich pioneered a path beyond his hometown, traveling west to create a life uniquely his own. A dedicated businessman for more than four decades, he spent over 20 years as a 7-Eleven franchisee and convenience store owner. Later in life, Rich and his wife Karen pursued numerous real estate ventures. Most notably, they ran two Airbnb vacation homes in Lake Havasu City. Rich was known for his larger-than-life personality, sharp wit, and unfiltered honesty. He had a famously dry, offbeat sense of humor and a way of saying what others only thought—usually to laughter. While his delivery could be gruff, those closest to him knew his heart was kind, his intentions loving, and his loyalty unwavering. Rich is survived by his devoted wife, Karen Ritzo, his daughter, Dawn (Victor) Arbelaez; his son, Richard "Ricky" Ritzo; their mother, JoEllen Darling; and his cherished grandchildren, Aiden and Audrey Arbelaez. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins, all of whom he loved dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents, Chivert and Mary Sanzotta Ritzo, and his beloved siblings: Theresa (Nick) Carsia, Mary (Andrew) DeFelice, Carmen (Doris) Ritzo, Albert (Marion) Ritzo, and Frances (Gabriele) Tattoni. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Rich's memory to Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada or the Down Syndrome Organization of Southern Nevada.

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Henderson, Nevada - Richard Carl "Rich" Ritzo, age 76, passed away on Monday, January 26, 2026, after a courageous year-and-a-half battle with cancer. He died in the comfort of his home, surrounded by love and the presence of family. Born in Trenton, New Jersey, Rich was the youngest of six children born to Chivert and Mary Sanzotta Ritzo. A tru

Published on February 5, 2026

Events

Funeral service

Thursday, February 19, 2026

11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Funeral Arrangements by
Palm Eastern Mortuary

Guestbook