Josephine Ritz

Josephine Ritz, 97, passed away on October 17, 2021 at home. She was the wife of the late Edward Ritz, with whom she shared 56 glorious years filled with lots of love, joy and travel.

Born in Reading, PA, she was the child of Antonino and Vincenza Cappadona. Josephine graduated from Reading High School. After graduation she began a storied career at Bell Telephone, where her hard work and dedication was rewarded with a managerial position which she held until her retirement in 1979. Josephine held the title of the "last manager" of Bell Atlantic's switchboard operators, which had served the City of Reading since 1880.

Josephine was a lifelong and devoted member of Holy Rosary Church.

Although Josephine had no children, her eight nieces were all treated as beloved daughters, a love that was then extended to their children and grandchildren. Holidays were highly anticipated, everyone looking forward to visiting Aunt Jo and Uncle Eddie where Italian wedding soup, Victor's pizza, gold coins and presents awaited them all. Music and laughter filled her home. Her generosity and love for her family knew no bounds. Josephine's kindness and love extended beyond the family as evidenced by the numerous children of her friends who call her 'Godmother'.

Those who are left behind have big shoes to fill as they are tasked with continuing her legacy of love, acceptance, kindness and generosity.

She is survived by a large and loving extended family: seven nieces; Donna M. Gundrum, Carol J. Leddy, Denise J. Commings, Adrienne B. Periandi, Diane L. Carroll and twins, Joed L. Meck, and Jan M. Lombardo plus 15 great nieces and nephews and 13 great great nieces and nephews.

Josephine was preceded by her siblings: Samuel Cappadona, Rose Marie Imwalle, and Florence Ketner Boone, her niece Deborah Lee Ketner and two great nephews Chad C. Leddy and Ryan J. Commings.

The mass will be held at Holy Rosary RCC on Saturday, October 23, 2021 at 10:00am with entombment to follow at Gethsemane Cemetery Mausoleum. A visitation will be held at Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home in West Reading from 5:30 to 7:00pm on Friday October 22, 2021.

Memorial donations may be made to Holy Rosary Church, Heartland Hospice, or St. Francis Home.

Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home Inc, West Reading is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be expressed at kuhnfuneralhomes.com.