Amelita D’Angelo Ritz passed away at the age of 87 in Mentor, Ohio,
leaving behind a legacy as a beloved family member and dedicated social worker.
She was born September 25, 1937 in Cleveland, OH to Nick and Adeline D’Angelo,
where her love of family and her Italian heritage began. She loved telling stories of
countless gatherings and special holiday memories. The Christmas season was her
favorite time of year, where family gatherings and traditions took center stage. She hosted Christmas Eve
for decades, and even when she passed the baton to new hosts, she stayed involved in the planning, cooking and celebrating.
Despite being diagnosed with polio at twelve, she led a fulfilling life with professional accomplishments,
a loving marriage and hobbies like traveling and reading. Amelita’s career as a social worker was a source of great pride for her.
She worked at Case Western Reserve University, Highland View Hospital and Health Hill Hospital for Children.
She had many cherished friends from Hale Avenue, Notre Dame College, and her workplaces.
These friendships added so much joy to her life, and Amelita loved reminiscing about the “good old days”.
Amelita was a guiding light for her family, and the impact she had on all of us will not be forgotten.
Survivors include nieces Domenica (Dennis) Green, Michelle (Michael) McPhillips, Paula Vetturini,
nephews Anthony Vetturini and Salvatore (Donna) D’Angelo, great nieces and nephews
Nicole (Kevin) Hoogenboom, Ryan Green, Matthew Green, Patrick (fiancée Madi Bender) Green, A.J. Vetturini,
Evan Vetturini; Sam D’Angelo, Nicholas (fiancée Lauren Resetar) D’Angelo and Natalie D’Angelo,
Alex (Meredith) D'Angelo, Carri D'Angelo and great great nephew Jake Green, Morgan D'Angelo great great nieces
Charlotte and Ella Hoogenboom and Lennon D'Angelo, sister in law Alice D’Angelo and many loving cousins,
neighbors and friends. She is also survived by George’s children and grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, George Ritz, her parents Nick and Adeline D’Angelo,
her brother Americo D’Angelo, her sister Gloria (Domenic, also deceased) Vetturini, nephew Nicholas D’Angelo
and uncle Mario Pantalone.
The family will receive friends to celebrate Amelita’s life from 4:00 – 7:00 pm on Tuesday, February 18 at
McMahon Coyne Vitantonio Funeral Home, 6330 Center St. in Mentor, OH. A funeral mass in her memory will be held
12:00 noon on Wednesday, February 19th at St. John Vianney Church, 7575 Bellflower Rd., Mentor, OH 44060 (Please meet at the church.)
Interment will be at Lakeview Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to the Nick D’Angelo Fund (The Cleveland Foundation,
PO Box 77051, Cleveland, OH 44194) or Maple Leaf Community Residences (200 Claridon Rd., Chardon, OH 44024).
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