Michael J. Ritz

Michael J. Ritz, 77, of Canton, formerly of South Boston, died suddenly at his home on Sunday, May 17, 2020. He was the beloved husband of Beverly (Cormier) Ritz and the late Susan (Babb) Ritz. Mike is survived by his children, Heidi DiMatteo and her husband Jim of Weymouth, Christian M. Ritz and his wife Ariane of Stoughton and Heather Ritz of Foxboro. He was the brother of Helen Puppo and her husband Thomas of Revere, John Ritz and his wife Carol of AZ, Patricia Ritz of Weymouth and the late Patrick Ritz and his surviving wife Marion of Marshfield. Mike was the cherished grandfather of Evan, Susan and Cole DiMatteo, Christiana and Liam Ritz and the step grandfather of Thomas and Grace Tinlin and Caroline Canavan. He was the stepfather of Heather (Canavan) Tinlin and her husband Thomas of S. Boston, Sean Canavan of CT and is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Born, raised and educated in South Boston, he was a graduate of South Boston High School. He was a former member of the Army Reserves. Mike was the owner and founder of New England Auto Body in South Boston for over 40 years, along with his longtime friend and business partner, Joe Keating of Squantum. N.E.A.B. was very active in the South Boston Community and was a sponsor of many area youth sports teams. Mike loved to watch, play and coach hockey over the years and was an avid golfer at Wompatuck, Brookmeadow and several other area courses. He enjoyed the friendship and companionship of his golfing buddies and always enjoyed the 19th hole. In his free time, he enjoyed spending time with his family and will be missed by both friends and family alike.

Due to Coronavirus Restrictions, Private Family Services were held with burial at Knollwood Memorial Park in Canton. Donations in Mike's memory may be made to the American Heart Association, POB 417005, Boston, MA 02241-7005.