the product development, market research, advertising, and public relations departments; he also developed and recommended marketing policies and new product programs. Following Ransburg, he was the government and intercompany divisional sales manager at Firestone Industrial Products. In 1977, drawing on a successful career in which he obtained several patents, including the prefilled syringe and contributions to the development of the dialysis machine, Al established his own manufacturers' representative agency, A. H. Ritz and Associates, which represented principals in metal-working and plastics industries for 30 years. Throughout his career he was an active member of several professional associations, receiving recognition and awards for his business practices. Al was a beloved husband and father, always present and active in his family's life. He will be fondly remembered - and greatly missed - for his great love and regard for his wife of 56 years; the gift of entrepreneurial spirit and the confidence to pursue it which he provided to each of his children; his humor and bright outlook; and his kindness and generosity to loved ones and strangers. Predeceased by his son, Stephen Mark Ritz, parents, and his brother; he is survived by his wife Patricia (Padway) Ritz and daughter Elisabeth Ritz (Winfield Thom), Chicago. Friends are welcome on Thursday, April 12, 2018 from 3:00 -7:00 p.m. at Leppert Mortuary, 740 E. 86th St., Indianapolis. Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, and in the spirit of Al's memory, Patricia and Elisabeth ask that donations be made to a charity of the donor's choice.