Edward Raymond Ritzmann Jr. passed away peacefully at the age of 83. Raised in Harahan, Louisiana, Edward attended East Jefferson High School, where he formed lifelong friendships before answering the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Navy. For more than 20 years, Edward served his nation with honor, dedication, and unwavering commitment. His military career was one of his greatest accomplishments and remained a lasting source of pride for both him and his family. Coming from a family with a long tradition of military service, Edward was proud to continue that legacy through his own service in the United States Navy. Edward was proud of his children and grandchildren and enjoyed seeing them grow and succeed. Their accomplishments and milestones brought him a great sense of pride. A man of endless curiosity, Edward had a lifelong passion for researching his family's ancestry. He took great pride in discovering and preserving his family's history, ensuring future generations would know where they came from. His curiosity extended far beyond genealogy. He was fascinated by electronics, computers, and anything mechanical. Whether repairing, building, or simply figuring out how something worked, he enjoyed solving problems and learning something new. He had a natural knack for troubleshooting and was always eager to understand how things worked and how they could be repaired. Edward also had a special place in his heart for animals, especially the many dogs he welcomed into his life. Their companionship brought him comfort, and he found great joy in caring for them throughout the years. A faithful Catholic, Edward found strength and guidance in his faith, which remained a steady source of comfort throughout his life. He is survived by his children, Tina Ritzmann Sandrock (Gary) and Raymond Joseph Ritzmann; his grandchildren, Gary J. Sandrock III and Claire Laura Mae Sandrock; his siblings, Dianna Newton (James) and Gary Ritzmann (Toni); and many extended family members and friends who will cherish his memory. He was preceded in death by his parents, LauraMay Marie Darce Ritzmann and Edward Raymond Ritzmann Sr., and his brother, Russell Ritzmann. Edward will be remembered for his dedicated military service, his inquisitive mind, his love of family history, and his remarkable ability to fix almost anything he set his hands to. His life touched many people, and his memory will live on through those who knew and loved him. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a memorial gathering at St. Bernard Memorial Funeral Home, 701 W. Virtue St., Chalmette, LA, on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. A memorial service will begin at 11:30 a.m., followed by burial at Slidell Veterans Cemetery, 34888 Grantham College Dr., Slidell, LA 70460. To view and sign the Family Guestbook, please visit www.stbernardmemorial. com.