Robert G. ‘Dead Bolt’ Ritari

Born September 18, 1954, in Marquette, a twin son of Carl J. and Helen M. (Penhale) Ritari, Sr., Bob was raised in the Trowbridge Park area of Marquette Township, where families and neighborhoods were close-knit. He graduated from Marquette Senior High School in 1974. Following graduation, he began a long career of over 30 years with the Cleveland Cliffs Iron Company. Throughout the years, he worked at both the Tilden and Empire mines in maintenance. During that time, he experienced an accident in which a heavy bolt fell, hitting him on the head. He was finally convinced to see a doctor, survived, and thereafter earned the nickname “Dead Bolt”. Always known as a “character”, it is debatable whether or not the bolt actually had any effect on his behavior and personality. Bob retired in 2004. Bob could be most accurately defined as a man of integrity who was honest, kind, generous with his time and talent (to a fault), and one who could be depended upon to lend a hand where needed. However, he was first and foremost family oriented. Bob was sweet and humble, a man who was not afraid to show his emotions and yet a man of strong character. He had a special bond to his many nieces and nephews and enjoyed being a mentor to them on the things that he valued in his life. He taught them skills in hunting, fishing, learning to drive, and camping. All skills they could use for a lifetime. His camping excursions were something to behold as he enjoyed doing things the way the early Native Americans had done. That included bare basics for shelter, fashioning bows, arrows, and spears out of tree limbs, washing the dishes in stream water, and even collecting sharp rocks and tying them to sticks to make crude tomahawks. Well, maybe it wasn’t exactly the way the natives did it, but it did impress upon his young students a respect for nature and an appreciation of a culture different from their own. Bob loved the woods and so the woodland adventures also included tales around the campfire, often including stories of the illusive Sasquatch (Big Foot) of the Northwoods, whom Bob really believed existed. He often claimed to have seen the creature and was always on the lookout. He simply loved anything about Big Foot. Reading Louis Lamore western novels was another passion, and Bob often imagined himself somewhere in the plot. His food choices were another matter as he absolutely loved Jif Peanut Butter, eating it with anything at hand or simply eating it out of the can. The can, which held about 40 ounces, usually lasted about a week! Combine that with many cups of coffee and Bob was happy and content. Bob was also known for usually singing, sometimes by himself and sometimes with the music. It didn’t matter, he was happy.

Bob is survived by his twin brother, Rodney (Julie) Ritari of Marquette Township, and brothers, Carl Ritari, Jr. of Marquette Township, and Pete Ritari of Deerton; and many beloved nieces and nephews and their children who added greatly to his quality of life, and he to theirs.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Sheila Malvasio, Gretchen Ritari, and Juanita Mattson; brother-in-law, Reuben Mattson; and sisters-in-law, Tina Ritari and Doris Ritari.

The family will receive relatives and friends at Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services on Saturday, May 18, beginning at 11:00 am until the time of service at 1:00 pm. This will be an informal time for the sharing of memories and conversation with coffee and desserts.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Bay Cliff Health Camp, P.O. Box 310, Big Bay, MI 49808.

Condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com