Leonard Paul Ritola

Leonard Paul Ritola, 75, of Traverse City passed away peacefully on June 10, 2022.

He is survived by his six children: DiAnna Fitztola (Michele), Nancee Pond (Casey), Andrew Ritola (Christy), Mary McKillip (Chris), Joe Ritola, and Brenden Ritola (Haley); 17 grandchildren: Mira and Ila Ritola-Schow; Reid, Ruby and Ryder Pond; Tyler, Coleton, Syrus and Elijah Ritola; Grace, Zavier, Magdalene and Anders McKillip; Margaret, Veronica and Juliette Ritola; his sisters, Pat Ritola (Bill Brundage), Pauline Ferris (Brian), and his brother, Jerry Ritola.

Born on October 11, 1946, to the late Wanetta (Kuemin) and Walter Ritola, Leonard graduated from St. Francis High School in 1965, where he met Linda Savage (who passed May 1, 2021). They married on October 17, 1970. They lived in Long Lake Township their entire lives in the home they built together. He was most content when working in the yard or garden, tinkering in his workshop, or laughing with his family.

Leonard was possessed of an engineering brain. He could fix nearly anything and loved to figure out a problem. He often took something apart just to make an improvement. He was deeply rooted in his community and always had time for neighbors who stopped to chat or had a need for extra vegetables or advice on how to build a better mousetrap.

He worked as an electrician for the first 10 years of their marriage, and was hired by Amoco Oil in 1980 where he worked for the next 20 years. After leaving Amoco, Leonard went back into electrical journeyman work and was pleased to be employed alongside his son, Andy, with Shoemaker Electric for the last decade of his career. In retirement, Len continued to stay busy with projects and also helped in the creamery at Moomer's Ice Cream.

Leonard was a lifelong member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, a former volunteer with the Father Fred Foundation, an Engaged Encounter mentor along with his wife, and was devoted to his prayer life. He enjoyed gardening, designing and building furniture and other structures, playing with his grandchildren, and creating a home to welcome family and friends. He maintained life-long friendships with cousins, high-school classmates, and former work colleagues. He was outspoken and loved to tell stories of his exploits. He will be dearly missed by those who love him.

Friends are welcome to visit with Leonard's family from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., on Thursday, June 16, 2022 at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 305 Sixth St., Traverse City, Michigan 49684.
The family will pray the rosary at 6:30 p.m. Thursday evening.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11:00 a.m., with visitation starting at 10:00 a.m., on Friday, June 17, 2022 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 308 N. Cedar St., Traverse City, Michigan 49684. Fr. Anthony Citro will officiate. Burial will follow in Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens.

Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a memorial donation to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 308 N. Cedar St., Traverse City, Michigan 49684 or the Father Fred Foundation, 826 Hastings St., Traverse City, Michigan 49686.
Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories with Leonard's family at his tribute page at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .

The family is being cared for by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.