George Ritz

CANFIELD - George Ritz, a cherished husband, brother, uncle, educator, coach, mentor, and friend, passed away peacefully on May 24, 2026. He was 82.

George was born Aug. 25, 1943, in Youngstown, the third child of Cecila Mauser and John Ritz. A 1961 graduate of East High School, George excelled in the classroom and on the baseball field. He went on to earn his Bachelor of Education degree from Kent State University and his Master of Education degree from Youngstown State University.

Through decades as an educator, coach, and principal, George became a respected figure at Youngstown North and East High Schools. He is remembered by generations of students for his steady leadership, firm but fair discipline, and his genuine commitment to helping young people reach their potential. He was a father figure and mentor to many. To this day, his former students still speak about the extraordinary impact he had on their lives.

George often said some of the happiest days of his life were during his coaching tenure at North High School. During his seven years of coaching basketball there, his teams won six city series championships, three sectional championships, and twice reached the regional finals. He built lifelong relationships with his players and loved them like his own. In 1972, George was named “Northeast Ohio Coach of the Year” and in 2014, he was inducted into the North High School Hall of Fame.

Following his retirement from East in 1995, George continued pursuing his passion for education. For 10 years, he worked for the Youngstown State athletic department assisting with the study tables for both the football and basketball teams. He also worked within the penitentiary system, helping incarcerated individuals earn their GEDs. George was also a longtime member of St. Columba Church.

George enjoyed staying active and social, spending his mornings working out with friends at the downtown YMCA, followed by lunches with former players, classmates, and members of his stock club. An avid traveler, George especially loved beach vacations. He and his wife, Judy, spent many happy hours shelling on Sanibel Island. He shared many memorable trips and countless laughs with his family—especially his two sisters, whom he always invited on his adventures. He and his brother loved to fish together and could share stories for hours. George loved any occasion that brought people together and never turned down an invitation to the casino.

Above all, George loved his family deeply. His love for Judy, who passed away from cancer in 1992, was eternal, and he described their life before she fell ill as “Camelot”. Their reunion in heaven was surely magical. He was an unwavering support to those closest to him, always ready to listen and offer thoughtful advice. At the holidays, he was the resident jokester to his great-nephew and great-niece whom he treated like grandchildren.

George is survived by his brother, Len (Brenda) Ritz of Canfield; niece Kellie Kane (Neil) Friery of Green; niece, Rachel Ritz; and great-nephew and great-niece, Noah and Maddie Friery. 

He was preceded in death by the love of his life, his wife Judy; his parents; sisters, Rita Ritz Prior and Kathleen Kane; brother John J. Ritz, Jr.; and niece, Jessica Ritz.

George was a true legend in the Youngstown schools, and his legacy will live on through the thousands of lives he touched.

Once a Golden Bear, always a Golden Bear.

The family will receive visitors from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m., Monday, June 1, 2026, at Kinnick Funeral Home, 477 North Meridian Road Youngstown. A funeral service will begin at 4:30 p.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial gifts be made to the George and Judith Ann Ritz Memorial Scholarship at the Youngstown State University Foundation, 655 Wick Avenue, Youngstown, Ohio 44502. You can also give online at ysufoundation.org by clicking “Give Now” and following the prompts.