Obituary of Robert A. Ritzel

COEYMANS HOLLOW - Robert A. Ritzel, 52, passed away on Wednesday, April 20, 2011 in St. Peter's Hospice Inn. Born in Catskill, Rob was raised in Coeymans Hollow. He was employed as an operator engineer by Flach Crane & Rigging in Glenmont. Rob was a member of Operating Engineers Local 106. He loved the outdoors, riding his Harley, enjoying the company of his friends - Rob enjoyed life. Rob and his wife, Kellie Coogan-Ritzel, have a blended family of Rob's son Andrew and daughter Ashley, Kellie's sons Blane and Ty Kropp, and one granddaughter, Bella. Rob is also survived by his mother, Marie Boehlke Ritzel; siblings, John, Paul and Steven Ritzel, Karen Brothers, Jeff Ritzel and Carolyn Phelps; Kellie's parents, Gene and Judy Coogan, and her brother, Gene (Sharleen) Coogan; aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends. Rob was predeceased by his father, Johann Ritzel. Calling hours will be Saturday, April 23 from 4 to 7 p.m. at A.J. Cunningham Funeral Home, 4898 SR 81, Greenville, followed by a time of sharing and remembrance. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to St. Peter's Hospice Inn, 315 South Manning Blvd., Albany, NY 12208 will be appreciated, as well as donations of blood and platelets to the American Red Cross, to help others as Rob was helped. The family offers special thanks to NYOH, especially Dr. H. Dunn; the staff of D4East at Albany Medical Center; and to family and friends that have given love and support from the very beginning of Rob's illness. Light a candle at ajcunninghamfh.com