Joseph A. Ritacco

Baptized into the hope of Christ's resurrection, Saturday, May 27, 2023.  Joe is survived by his devoted friend and caretaker, Dennis Sarris; family friends, Angelique Sarris and her son Frankie Driggs, Gail (Jack) DeBenedetto, Jennifer (Dennis) Bernier and Jessica (Steve) Alexander; cousins, Dennis (Susan Litke) Alexion and their children Mark & Christine (Christine lived with Joe & Sandy in San Diego while doing an internship for PT) and Susan Alexion Partica and her children Michael & Lynn; preceded in death by his parents, Elizabeth (Silano) Ritacco and Joseph Ritacco; his former wife, Sandy Ritacco (nee Schaede); aunts, Rose Hahnau and Florence Virgilio.

Joe was a longtime parishioner of St. Monica Church and member of Knights of Columbus Council #6500 & Sir Knight Joseph Ritacco #3588. He was a devoted friend and always had a smile on his face. He loved operas and symphonies and volunteered at Evelyn's House, Fox Theatre, Touhill Performing Arts Center at UMSL & Powell Symphony Hall. He was an avid traveler who journeyed to various destinations including France, Italy, Greece and Australia to name a few. Joe worked for American Airlines for 35 years in Los Angelos and San Diego. He found joy in being a photographer, and one of his most cherished subjects was Marilyn Monroe, whom he photographed at the Bob Hope show for GIs.

Visitation at Ortmann Stipanovich Funeral Home, 12444 Olive Blvd., Creve Coeur, Thursday, June 1 from 4-8 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Monica Catholic Church, 12136 Olive Blvd., Creve Coeur, on Friday June 2 at 10 a.m. Interment Resurrection Cemetery and reception at St. Monica's following the burial. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Parkinson's Foundation, Evelyn's House or St. Louis Symphony.

Ortmann Stipanovich Funeral Home        www.osfuneralhomes.com