Barre – Earl Michael Ritzi Ph.D., 78, of Barre, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Thursday, February 20, 2025.
Dr. Ritzi was born in Worcester and raised in Northborough, the son of the late Earl A. A. and Edith M. (Moyer) Ritzi. He is survived by his son, Christopher M. Ritzi of Alpine, TX, his ex-wife Elizabeth (Betty) Ann Ritzi, two granddaughters, Catherine M. Ritzi and Teresa L. Ritzi, and grandson-in-law, Max Lannon. He is also predeceased by a brother, Charles Ritzi.
Earl attended Algonquin Regional High school and graduated with the class of 1964. He then earned his bachelor’s degree in Cell & Molecular Biology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 1968, which included being a Wood’s Hole Scholar and graduating Magna Cum Laude. He then completed his MA and his Ph.D. at Princeton University in Virology under the mentorship of Dr. Arnold Levine. He worked for many years as a university and medical school professor in the field of virologist in Memphis, TN at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, the Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and finally Texas Tech University Health Science Center in Lubbock, TX, from which he retired.
Earl enjoyed being outdoors, whether it was tending to his vegetable garden or taking deep sea fishing trips in the Atlantic, especially to his favorite spot, George’s Bank. He also was an avid shopper and deal finder, being able to find the best value at all the grocery stores in an area. This also tied into his love of food, in that he was a courageous cook and willing to experiment with food and recipes to always try out new tastes and flavors.
Funeral services are being held at 12 noon on March 17th at Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton, MA. Memorial contributions may be made to Second Chance Animal Services Adoption Center 111 Young Road East Brookfield, MA 01515.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Alfred Roy & Sons Funeral Home 12 Hammond St. Worcester. For more information about the service, to share a memory or to sign the guestbook, please visit www.Royfuneral.com