David J. Ravitch

David Judah Ravitch, age 67, passed away April 25, 2015, at Munson Hospice House in Traverse City. He was born in Benton Harbor on September 29, 1947, to Archie and Freda Ravitch. He is survived by his wife and high school sweetheart, Mary Elizabeth (Ford) Ravitch, whom he married on September 20, 1969 in Benton Harbor and who has always been by his side.

Dave graduated from Ferris State University and began his career as a police officer in Flint. He then worked as a manager in the scrap metal business, was in sales, and ultimately retired from the State of Michigan as a Case Worker for the Family Independence Agency. He had lived in Traverse City since 1982.

Dave was an avid supporter of the University of Michigan. He always said his coffee tasted better out of his U of M mug. Dave loved music! He taught himself to play guitar in his early teens and continued to play with several bands through college. He encouraged his daughters to sing, practically before they could talk! He spent many hours playing the guitar, while together they sang favorites from The Beatles, Eagles, and John Denver.

Dave was incredibly proud of his family and cherished every moment with them. In addition to his loving wife, Dave is survived by three daughters, Julie (fiancé Rob Kuhn) Ravitch of Beverly Hills, MI; Amy (Darren) Kane and Kristin (Greg) Nelson, both of Traverse City; grandchildren, Olivia, Sydney, and Matthew Kane and Ava and Sadie Nelson; and many caring family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Harlan.

The love Dave has shown to those around him and his kind eyes will be remembered by all those who knew him. "All you need is love, All you need is love, love… Love is all you need." – The Beatles

A memorial service celebrating Dave's life will be held at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home on Saturday, May 2, 2015 at 3:00 p.m. with visitation beginning at 2:00 p.m. Private interment will take place at a later date.

For those wishing to give a gift in memory of Dave, contributions may be directed to Munson Hospice House or to the American Diabetes Association.

A special thanks to Dr. Roberto Corpus and the staff at Munson Hospice House.

Please visit www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com to share your thoughts and memories of Dave with his family. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.