Albert "Al" Emerson Ritzman

Albert Emerson Ritzman age 80, of Mayport, PA, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 16, 2023, at the Penn Highlands Brookville Hospital in Brookville, PA. He was born on June 4, 1943, to the late Albert and Margaret Grace (Montgomery) Ritzman in Greenville, PA.                                                                                     

He graduated from Washington Township High School with the class of 1961, where he was a member of their championship winning football team. Al also played college football at Clarion University where he achieved his Bachelor of Science in Education. He met the love of his life on the first night at college. Despite not dating her from the first night they met, Al did marry Barbara Anne (Yeaney) Ritzman at the Brookville Methodist Church in Brookville, PA, on August 6, 1966; she survives. They were blessed to spend over fifty-eight loving years together.

After Clarion University, Al went on to obtain his Master of Science degree from Bowie State University in Maryland. Al and his wife moved to Prince George County, Maryland, where he taught history, social studies, and government. During this time, he worked towards his doctorate degree before becoming self-employed in a new business. Al and his wife left Maryland, returning home to own and operate Woody’s Tavern in Shannondale, PA. He and his wife were successful in operating this business until retiring in 2001.

Al enjoyed hunting all types of game, including white-tailed deer, elk, and mule deer. He had traveled to the west and Canada hunting and loved to go fishing, especially on his boat in the Chesapeake Bay. Al had a love for Ford antique cars, collecting over seven of them throughout his life. He was an avid reader, particularly crime fiction and other novels. Al was a huge Pittsburgh Steelers and Pirates fan, while also watching other teams in every sport. A favorite pastime was watching old western cowboy movies such as Gunsmoke, and anything else that starred John Wayne or Clint Eastwood. Above all, he loved to travel all over the world with his wife. They were able to travel to every state in the United States except for two. They were even able to travel to Europe and Australia. Al created a lifetime of cherished memories with his wife, and he will be deeply missed.                              

In addition to his loving wife Barbara, Al is survived by two sisters; Alberta Flick, and Ruthie Lowers both of Apollo, PA; as well as twenty-six nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Albert was preceded in death by three sisters; Betty Bovard, Mary Phillips, and Amber Montgomery; and one brother; Charles Montgomery.                                                

Family and friends will be received for a visitation on Saturday, September 23, 2023, from 1 – 3 pm, at the Carrier Funeral Home, 2834 Maplevale, Rd., Brookville, PA 15825. A celebration of Al’s life will also take place following the visitation at the funeral home beginning at 3:00 pm. Interment will be private at his family farm.                                                                                                              

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Albert’s name to the American Heart Association, 7272 Greenville Ave., Dallas, TX 75231, the Hahne Cancer Center, 100 Hospital Ave., DuBois, PA 15801, or to the donor’s choice. Arrangements are under the care of the Carrier Funeral Home.  Please visit our website at www.carrierfh.com to find more information or place online condolences.

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