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Joseph Phillip Ritari
06/19/1959 — 06/28/2013
From Richland, WA, US | Born in Walla Walla, WA
Joseph Phillip Ritari
Joseph P. Ritari
Born June 19, 1959 in Walla Walla, Washington went home to eternal life on June 28, 2013. The most special son, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend touched the hearts of everyone he met. Although departed too soon, he joins his loving parents, Archie and Margaret Menzia Ritari, in heaven.
Joe attended grade school at Madonna Day School in Memphis, TN. The school was started for Catholic children with special needs.
While in middle school in Bellevue, WA, Joe found his life passion: Sports. He became team manager for football, basketball and track. At one point, Joe was invited to be the team ball boy for the Seattle Supersonics.
In high school, Joe won numerous awards from the Coronet Award for Student of the Year to getting a Varsity Letter for his hard work as football team manager.
After high school, Joe was hired by the Bakersfield Dodgers in the clubhouse and met Hall of Famers who remember him fondly years later.
He later moved to Kennewick to be closer to the family. He started working for Walmart in the Home & Garden department. He loved his job and his Walmart family. His favorite was to meet someone new, help them and make people smile and laugh.
He was always active in the Catholic Church. He joined the Knights of Columbus where you could find him working the ice cream booth at the fair every year.
Joe took his love of sports from managing, to playing, thanks to the Special Olympics of Washington. He grew a passion for cycling, and had many awards which he was proud of. The Arc of Tri-Cities and the friends he met through that program were life long.
He could always be seen at local sporting events. From moving chains at Riverview High School, to cheering on Tri-City American Hockey games, he loved all sports. If you ever had a sports question, he knew the answer.
Those grieving the loss are countless, including brothers: Raymond and wife, Pat, Desmond and wife, Neyra; sisters Mary and husband, Michael, and Cathy and husband, Louis; and his loving nieces and nephews: Jacob, Erin, Erich, Mark, Christopher, Jake, Whitney, Caitlin and Desmond.
The family expresses immense gratitude to Annie Richards for providing Joe with love and support and enriching his life in immeasurable ways.
We will be commemorating his life on Friday July 5th at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Kennewick at 11am. A celebration of his life will follow at the Toyota Center Founders Club. All are welcomed to remember Joe with us.
Holy Spirit Catholic Church 7409 W Clearwater Ave Kennewick, WA
Toyota Center Founders Club 7000 W Grandridge Blvd Kennewick, WA
In lieu of flowers, we are requesting donations be made in Joe's name to The Arc of Tri-Cities or Special Olympics of Washington.
I was looking for Joe the other day in the store and one of the boys told me he suddenly passed. God rest his soul. He was a wonderful person.
Joe will be greatly missed. He touched a lot of lives in many ways. We considered him to be like family.
Joe it was great working with you you will be dearly missed…I never got a chance to thank you for watching out for me and asking how I was doing every time I saw you. Joe had a HEART OF GOLD!!! But I know you are looking down on us and smiling watching out for us… My condolences to the Ritari family your brother uncle cousin was an AMAZING PERSON WITH A HEART OF GOLD!!
Joe, it was such a pleasure working with you at Walmart and seeing you at Mass at Holy Spirit. You were always so helpful to me, especially if I was trying to pick up something heavy you were johnny-on-the-spot! It makes me so sad to know that I won’t see you when I shop there now. You will be in all my prayers.
I had the pleasure of knowing Joe the last 8 years. He was an amazing man and accomplished so much in his life. His Wal Mart family will miss him as he added so much to their store. Annie thank you for the many years of support you gave Joe. He was so blessed to have had him in your life. Gods Blessings to Joe’s family.
Cathy I am so sorry for your loss, my condolences goes out to you and your family, may he rest in peace. Lots of hugs and kisses
Joe was truly special and will be miss by all. Thinking of his family at this time and extend our heartfelt understanding and sympathy. May the Lord comfort you all. Trudy & Jim Caldwell former Richland Walmart Associates
I was looking for Joe the other day in the store and one of the boys told me he suddenly passed. God rest his soul. He was a wonderful person.
Joe will be greatly missed. He touched a lot of lives in many ways. We considered him to be like family.
Joe it was great working with you you will be dearly missed…I never got a chance to thank you for watching out for me and asking how I was doing every time I saw you. Joe had a HEART OF GOLD!!! But I know you are looking down on us and smiling watching out for us… My condolences to the Ritari family your brother uncle cousin was an AMAZING PERSON WITH A HEART OF GOLD!!
Joe, it was such a pleasure working with you at Walmart and seeing you at Mass at Holy Spirit. You were always so helpful to me, especially if I was trying to pick up something heavy you were johnny-on-the-spot! It makes me so sad to know that I won’t see you when I shop there now. You will be in all my prayers.
I had the pleasure of knowing Joe the last 8 years. He was an amazing man and accomplished so much in his life. His Wal Mart family will miss him as he added so much to their store. Annie thank you for the many years of support you gave Joe. He was so blessed to have had him in your life. Gods Blessings to Joe’s family.
Cathy I am so sorry for your loss, my condolences goes out to you and your family, may he rest in peace. Lots of hugs and kisses
Joe was truly special and will be miss by all. Thinking of his family at this time and extend our heartfelt understanding and sympathy. May the Lord comfort you all. Trudy & Jim Caldwell former Richland Walmart Associates
Cathy,
Valley Village sends our love and big hugs to you. We are all thinking of Joe and your family.
Your friends,
Valley Village Board, staff, and loving clients
My deepest condolences to Joe’s family and sea of friends. The world had definitely lost a special person. I remember him always sprinting around Bakersfield Sears, and Dodger games. He always had a smile and was eager to help.
I pray for eternal rest and peace with our Heavenly Father . I am sure your parents are happy your home.
Elinor Sparks
Medford, Oregon
I was so sad to here of your passing! I keep seeing your smile! I remember if I was down it would brighten my day! I hadn’t seen it for such a long time and for some reason I see it more then ever! I hope you are at peace and having a wonderful time up in heaven! I know you already have your wings and are watching over everyone! I am so lucky I got to know you Joe! Anyone who knew him was just plan blessed!! God Bless you and I know you are having a great time with everyone up there telling them all about sports and just making them smile!! So sorry for your loss Ritari Family. Robi Kirby
Cathy
Be assured of my prayers for you and your family as you celebrate your brother Joes life.
I’m here if you need a friend,
Chaplain Fred Martin
Des,
Our thoughts & prayers are with you & your family. So sorry for your loss.
The Dress Family
I worked with Joe at Wal-Mart many years ago, and he always brought a smile to my face. Very sweet, helpful, loving man who cared about everyone. Joe will NEVER be forgotten, he was loved by so many. I know God has a very special place for him in heaven. R.I.P. Joe
Cathy,
With our deepest sympathies. We are very sorry for your loss.
Ray, Mary, Cathy and Des:
Joe was such an inspiration to all of our cousins. He loved life and his Catholic faith. Joe is our shining star in the sky and watching down on us. He had a heart of gold. I will cherish all the good times we had. You are in our prayers. Love Marian, Dennis, Kathryn and Sarah Pedersen
A friend once asked me…”At the end of your time on earth, will anyone say they are a better person because you have lived?” I really don’t know how to answer that question, but I know for a fact that I am a better person because of Joe.
Here’s to your Huskies, pal…watch over them and the rest of your family and friends who you loved so much.
Another angel in the sky “Big Joe”
He taught me how to love unconditionally and be patient with others. His smile and his love for life was contagious. He will forever be close to my heart. I feel very blessed to have known such a great person, cousin and friend. Much Love, Big Joe!!! Go Huskies…just for you!
I ALWAYS looked forward to Joes smile when I was at Walmart. I am so sad to see the world has lost such a friendly, wonderful individual. I will certainly miss him!
Thinking of the Ritari family as you mourn the loss of your loved one, Joe. May God comfort you in your loss.
Joe was a great person to work with at wal-mart. He was always helpful to me as well as to others. He will definitely be greatly missed.
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Joseph Phillip Ritari