Andrew J. (Drew) Ritzul

Andrew J. Ritzul (Drew), age 78, of Fairfield passed away Friday, November 16, 2018 in his home. Born in Bridgeport, the son of the late Andrew and Evelyn Ritzul, he had been a lifelong area resident. A graduate of Roger Ludlowe High School where he excelled in both baseball and basketball, Drew served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He received his BS degree in Engineering from Northeastern University where he was recruited on a basketball scholarship. He worked at Lacey Manufacturing for 38 years as a medical instrument design engineer. As a young man he was active in scouting, attaining the rank of Eagle Scout. Drew played in numerous sports leagues throughout the years, and particularly loved to play softball. His passion was old classic cars. He loved restoring old cars and helped start the local Classic Car Club. He loved attending shows and organized car cruises throughout the area. Drew loved country music and playing and building steel guitars; and was a member of the Pedal Steel Association. He was a die-hard fan of UConn Women Huskies basketball. Drew was a member of the Gaelic American Club and the Association of Navy Veterans, Port 5. He always looked forward to meeting his buddies for coffee at the Pine Creek Deli. Survivors include a brother, Richard Ritzul and his wife Judy of Tucson, AZ; two sisters, Maureen Simms and her husband Larry of Boynton Beach, FL and Mary Beth Fiol and her husband Edward of Miami, FL; several nieces and his long-time companion, Susan Oviatt of Stratford. A memorial service will be held Tuesday, November 27, 2018 at 11:30 a.m. at the Spear-Miller Funeral Home, 39 South Benson Road, Fairfield. Friends may greet the family Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. to the time of the service. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Homes for the Brave, 655 Park Ave., Bridgeport, CT 06605. For information or to offer an online condolence please visit www.SpearMillerFuneralHome.com