John Vail Ritz, age 96, formerly of Canton passed away Monday in Sun City Center, Florida. Born in Canton to the late Charles and Bessie (Vail) Ritz, he was a life resident until 1999 when he relocated to Florida. John was a 1932 graduate of McKinley High School, served in the US Navy during WWII and attended Canton Actual Business College. John retired in 1980 as President of Tri-City Office Supply. Memberships included First Church of Christ Scientist in Boston, MA and Trinity Lodge 710 F&AM since 1937 and was recipient of the Legion of Honor Award from DeMolay. John is survived by his wife Elizabeth Ritz of the home, daughter and son-in-law; Dr. Paul and Judith Schimmel of LaJolla, CA, 2 granddaughters; Katherine (Michael) Baki of LaJolla, CA and Kirsten (Samuel) Herbowi of Andover, MA and 6 great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a brother: Charles A. Ritz. Masonic Service will be Saturday; 11 A.M. in the Spiker-Foster-Shriver Funeral Home 4817 Cleveland Ave. N.W. Entombment will follow with Military Honors in North Lawn Mausoleum. Friends may call one hour prior to the service. (10-11 A.M.). In Lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Shriner's Hospital for Children 3229 Burnet Ave. Cincinnati, Ohio 45229-3095.