Jon Jay Ritt

Jon Ritt passed away January 8 of heart failure during diagnostic treatment at Emory Midtown Hospital. He lived independently at his historic College Park home until just weeks before his passing. He is survived by his brother Dayton W. Ritt and nephew Adam W. Ritt of Virginia Beach, Va.

Born to Wells and Pauline Ritt, Jon grew up in Crystal Lake, Ill., northwest of Chicago. He was an Honor Society student and band member at Crystal Lake Community High School. After one year as a scholarship student at the University of Illinois, and considering a call to ministry, he chose a smaller school, Elmhurst College. Jon Graduated from Elmhurst in 1967 with a Liberal Arts degree.

Jon began his long career in market research and data analysis with Pillsbury in Minneapolis and then Weyerhauser in San Francisco. He earned an MBA from the University of Pennsylvania, weaving philosophy studies with math and marketing. He went on to work in the fast food industry in Philadelphia, Charlotte, and Atlanta as a consultant and a Market Research Director for Burger King, Arby's, Church's, and then Popeye's.

Throughout his life, he was a collector of art and, as he was able, a patron. His home was a welcoming gallery. His kitchen was a showcase for his extraordinary culinary skills.

In retirement, Jon served as Board Chair for the College Park Business and Industrial Development Authority, a champion of open meetings and citizen involvement. He also continued as a lay leader in Central Congregational UCC, Atlanta, which he joined in 1993 and served actively for 30 years. He lent his skills and compassion to the roles of Trustee, Deacon, Moderator, fundraiser, event chef, and volunteer driver. He was in the forefront of Central's claiming the status of "An Open and Affirming Congregation." Jon loved NPR; he loved reading, and his reading was broad and deep. He was ever a thoughtful and provocative contributor to tactical, theological, and global discussions.

Jon made and kept friends throughout his years, in every phase of his life. His faithful phone calls, his generosity, his informed and witty conversation, and his loving heart are deeply missed. A memorial service for Jon Ritt will take place February 10 at 2 p.m., Central Congregational UCC, 2676 Clairmont Road, Atlanta. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Jon Ritt may be sent to Central CUCC or a non-profit of your choice.