Mr Robert Ritz

ADRIAN- Robert “Bob” Stanley Ritz, age 83, a longtime Adrian resident passed away on Sunday, June 21, 2026, at Charlotte Stephenson Manor, surrounded by his family and under the care of Optimal Care Hospice. Bob was born on April 22, 1943, in Detroit, MI, the only son of Stanley and Helen Ritz. He graduated from Holy Redeemer High School in Southwest Detroit in 1961 and went on to attend Adrian College earning his bachelor’s in education. Bob finished his schooling with a master’s in education from Eastern Michigan University. On November 14, 1970, Bob married Carillon Farrell at Queens of the Miraculous Medal Catholic Church in Jackson, MI. They have been blessed in their 55 years together to grow in love and faith as they raised their three sons and later became doting grandparents to their four grandchildren. Bob’s career was in the field of education where he influenced the lives of many students throughout southern Michigan. He started out as a teacher and later became the Dean of Students at Bedford Schools where he also coached golf and football. Opportunity for Bob to take a more leadership role had the Ritz family moving to Battle Creek, where he became Assistant Principal at Pennfield High School. Bob made his way back to Lenawee County where he was the principal at several schools, including Sand Creek High School, Adrian High School and Springbrook Middle School. Bob finished in the public school system as the Assistant Superintendent at Adrian Public Schools. Not quite ready to slow down, he went on to work at Siena Heights College in administration. Bob finally retired after 45 plus years of educational service. If you knew Bob, you knew he enjoyed playing golf and any day on the golf course was a good day. He was on leagues at Woodlawn Golf Course and a longtime member of the Lenawee Country Club. Bob was active in his faith as a longtime member of Holy Family Parish and the Knights of Columbus. Bob and Carillon enjoyed traveling in their later years and had a memorable trip to Italy with a group of good friends. They learned to embrace the title of “snowbirds” as they headed south with Cocoa Beach being a favorite destination; they especially enjoyed their time when family would come and visit. One of Bob’s favorite roles was that of grandfather. He and Carillon attended all their grandchildren’s dance recitals, school and sporting events, cheering them on. Bob enjoyed weekly lunch and card games with his close friends. In addition to his loving wife, Carillon, Bob is survived by their sons, Chad (Jennifer) Ritz, David Ritz and Gregory Ritz; and grandchildren, Nathan, Lauren, Carson and Cameron Ritz; Lisa Ritz; and his wonderful extended family and special friends. A memorial visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Wagley Funeral Home, Adrian. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated by Fr. Mike Newman, OSFS, on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Family Parish, St. Joseph’s Campus in Adrian, with inurnment to follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Boys & Girls Club of Lenawee, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or to a charity of your choice. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.WagleyFuneralHomes.com.

Mr Robert Ritz

April 22, 1943 - June 21, 2026