Matthew Michael Ritz

Matthew Michael Ritz, 35, formerly of Warren, passed away peacefully from his sleep into the arms of Jesus in his Columbus home on June 5, 2010 at 5:25 p.m., after a very courageous thirteen-month battle with brain cancer. Matthew was diagnosed with a tumor May 4, 2009, which was determined to be a Glioblastoma Multiform IV. Matthew endured three major surgeries, chemo, and radiation before he entered into Hospice care in December, 2009.

Born March 12, 1975 in Warren, he was the devoted and loving son of Ron and Nancy Saxon Ritz, who survive. Living the majority of his life in Warren, Matthew moved to Columbus in 2005 to be with his children. To forever cherish his memory, Matthew leaves his parents of Warren; his sons Andrew Michael, age nine, Nicholas Matthew, age nine, and Ryan Adam, age five; his maternal grandmother, Birdie Saxon; special cousin Michael (Kristen) Saxon of Columbus; and best friend Mark Walton of Columbus. Other family members include uncle and godfather Jim Ritz; uncles Ted (Darlene) Ritz and Lloyd (Sandy) Saxon, both of Warren, and George (Norma) Saxon of Oklahoma; aunt Sandy Kistler of Warren; cousins Lisa (Alan) Reed and children of Chicago, and Josh Kistler of Warren. Matthew also leaves many other cousins, friends, co-workers, and special friend and caregiver Paula Estepp.

Preceding him in death were his older brother Ronnie; maternal grandfather George Saxon; and paternal grandparents Louis and Helen Ritz.

A 1993 graduate of John F. Kennedy High School in Warren, he attended Kent State and Youngstown State universities, and graduated with highest honors from ITT Tech with a degree in computer science and technology. He was employed by Cardinal Container in Columbus as assistant plant manager. Matthew, a Catholic, was a former member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Warren.

Matthew will always be remembered for his many accomplishments on and off the field in baseball and football at JFK, where he was a valuable member of the state championship and state runner-up football teams of 1991 and 1992. He will forever be remembered for his "mighty bat", even as a very young player. Affectionately known as "Ritzy", he will be remembered by his family, friends, and co-workers as the man with the infectious, never-ending smile, his laughter, his love of family, comedy, movies and his interpretations, his music, and his own unique special dance. Matthew never met a stranger and was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. Unable to attend the game, his last act of generosity was donating his Cincinnati football tickets to a young boy through the Make-a-Wish Foundation in November. To know Matthew was to love him.

As an adult, golf became his favorite activity. He loved the serenity he found on the golf course. He always remained a true and loyal fan of the Cleveland Indians and Cleveland Browns. His joy and passion was watching his sons excel in the same sports he enjoyed in his youth. Returning home from the hospital last summer, he was able to enjoy some of his boys' baseball and football games. His last outing was a playoff game with sons Andrew and Nicholas.

At his request, cremation took place following a prayer service led by Father Richard Metzger. A memorial Celebration of Life service will be conducted at 6:00 p.m. Saturday, June 26, 2010 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 232 Seneca N.E., Warren, Ohio 44481, with Fr. James Walker and Fr. Bernard Schmalzried officiating. A gathering of friends and family will follow in the church hall.

In his memory, material contributions may be made to any of the following: Hospice of Riverside Methodist Hospital, 3535 Olentangy River Rd. Columbus, Ohio 43214; The Chris Elliott Fund for Brain Cancer Research, 704 228th Ave NE #254, Sammamish, Wash. 98074; or to The Children of Matthew M. Ritz, 911 Radbourne Dr., Columbus, Ohio 43207.

Local arrangements are entrusted to McFarland & Son Funeral Services Co., 271 N. Park Ave., Warren, Ohio 44481. Please visit www.mcfarlandfuneral.com to view this obituary and send condolences.