Virgil Angelo Ritondale

Virgil A. Ritondale TRAVERSE CITY – Virgil Angelo Ritondale, age 86, of Traverse City, passed away on Sunday, May 19, 2019 at the Grand Traverse Pavilions Evergreen Cottages in the loving care of his family. Virgil enjoyed people. He embraced those around him with tales of past adventures, a song or two, the warmth of his smile, his ever-present full-bodied laugh. Virgil was a friendly and sweet man who could fill a room with love. Virgil was born October 16, 1932 to Joseph and Angelina (Durant) Ritondale in Dearborn, MI. Virgil honorably served in the United States Air Force and the United States Navy. Virgil was very proud of being selected to be apart of the military honor flight in September. He lived in many different cities across the state of Michigan; Lincoln Park, Dearborn, Monroe, Westland, Flat Rock, Atlanta, and also in Fairfield, TN, all before moving to the Traverse City area. On November, 1, 1996, Virgil married Virginia Oatley in Toledo, OH. Virgil was a jack of all trades, he was a fireman, licensed practical nurse where he worked with the mentally ill as well as other demographics and was employed with Marathon Oil and Great Lakes Steel. He was a member of Grace Episcopal Church and the Barbershop Quartet, where he was a tenor and bass. Virgil enjoyed reading and one of his fondest memories was traveling Route 66 on his Goldwing motorcycle. Virgil and Virginia traveled a great deal and especially cherished cruises and journeys to St. Thomas and St. Martin. Virgil is survived by his wife, son’s; Guy (Robin) Ritondale, Gregg Ritondale, daughter’s; Cathy (Mike) Ritondale, Cindy Serecky, step-children; James Thompson, Merrie Thompson, siblings; Marie McCarthy, Warren Puckett, and Jane Puckett. Grandchildren; Barbi, Lana, Ryan, Danielle, Nicholas, Michael, Dana, Dan and Holland and 11 great-grandchildren. Virgil was preceded in death by his parents. Virgil dearly loved his children, grandchildren, and everyone at the Grand Traverse Pavilions. A Memorial Service honoring Virgil will take place at the Grace Episcopal Church on Wednesday, June 19, 2019 at 11:00 am with a visitation one hour prior to the service. Military honors will be held at the church following the service and a luncheon will be held immediately following military honors in the church fellowship hall. The family asks that memorial contributions in Virgil’s honor be directed to; Cherryland Humane Society, 1750 Ahlberg Road, Traverse City, MI 49696.

Virgil Angelo Ritondale

October 16, 1932 - May 19, 2019