Maj. Fred Wallace Ritvo
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Decorated Army veteran; supported veteran causes

Mr. Ritvo was a decorated Army veteran, earning the Purple Heart and two Bronze Medals during his 22 years of service. He served in the Vietnam and Korean Wars.

After leaving the military, he dedicated his life to assisting veterans and championed their interests in Gloucester and on the Cape. As the director of Veterans Services in Gloucester, he rallied community support to create the Gloucester Veteran's Center and establish memorials for World War II Merchant Marines and women veterans. He was also instrumental in bringing the Vietnam Moving Wall to Gloucester, allowing thousands of visitors free access to the memorial. With assistance from his close friend and colleague Lucia Amero, he revised the Gloucester Fisherman's Memorial services in honor of those lost at sea.

In 1997, he moved to the Cape. He served as the case manager-housing advocate for the Nam Vets Association of the Cape & Islands and continued his service to veterans by providing them support every day.

He would always welcome guests to his family's Thanksgiving table.

Besides his wife, survivors include a son, Fred Lawrence Ritvo; a daughter, Carol Warren of Haverhill; and five grandchildren.

He was the father of the late Lee Ann Liset.

Visitation is noon to 2 p.m. Thursday at Nickerson-Bourne Funeral Home, 40 MacArthur Blvd., Bourne. Burial will follow at 2:30 p.m. in Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne. Memorial donations may be made to Nam Vets Association, P.O. Box 2873, Hyannis, MA 02601.