BIRITZ, Joseph Terrance

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ 09/20/2013 Joseph Terrance Biritz, 71, died Friday, Aug. 30, 2013, at St. Rose de Lima Hospital in Henderson, Nev., from complications of a lengthy illness. He was born Wednesday, March 18, 1942, in Chicago, Ill., to the late Joseph Paul and Wanda M. (Biancalana) Biritz. Joseph grew up in Chicago and graduated from Elmhurst High School in Elmhurst, Ill., class of 1960. He later attended DeVry and Allied Tool and Die Trade Schools, where he received a degree in engineering. He and his wife, Victoria, moved to Phoenix in 1970 with their three children. While running a restaurant (The Silver Spur) in Cave Creek, he started his own manufacturing business in his garage (Proto-Specialties) that would later develop and grow into a $3 million company. His major work contracts included: Motorola, Allied Signal, Sperry Avionics, Hamilton Test, Western Dynex, Honeywell, Boeing and other aerospace commercial companies that manufactured parts that go into pacemakers, slot machines and airplanes, just to name a few. He sold Proto-Specialties in 1983 and started another company, Ritz Manufacturing, selling it in 1989. From there, he went on to a career of business development in sales and management. He also drove for Super Shuttle for many years during his spare time. Joseph retired in 2011. Joseph enjoyed building radio control airplanes and restoring many types of muscle cars; his latest being a ‘71 Dodge Charger that he named “Lucille.” He shared this passion with his son-in-law, Stephen, as they loved working on their cars together. Joseph loved bass fishing, boating and riding his Harley-Davidson with his wife, Vicky. His greatest enjoyment was watching Sunday football with his son, Joe Jr., hooting and hollering and whistling for their teams (it was more interesting to watch the two of them watching the games). Joe Sr. loved his Chicago Bears. He was also very passionate for his Chicago-style Vienna beef hot dogs. (Not really sure which one he loved more.) Joseph loved cooking his special sauce (grandma’s recipe) and prime rib during family holidays. He also enjoyed being in the kitchen whenever anyone else was cooking, sampling and “testing” the seasoning of their dishes. He would always say, “It needs a little more salt,” even when it didn’t. Joseph spent much of his time doing many of his hobbies and interests with his children and grandchildren. He was a very patient and loving father, grandfather and husband. Joseph lived a blessed life; enjoying it all to the fullest. “We celebrate his life today, knowing that he is resting in peace. We love you, forever.” Joseph is survived by his wife of 50 years, Victoria Ann Biritz; three children: JoAnn (Stephen) Ferradino, Christine (Synacek) Biritz, Joe (Ivy) Biritz; two sisters: Geralyn (Andrew) Kipta, Loretta (Louis) Kipta; four grandchildren: Breann Ferradino, Paul Ferradino, Andrew Synacek, Jovi Biritz; two nephews: Dr. Joseph Kipta, Louis Kipta; two nieces: Christine (Chris) Harney, Melissa (John) Sagat; and many other family members and friends. A memorial funeral Mass of Christian burial will begin at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 25, at St. Benedict Catholic Church, 16223 S. 48th Street in Phoenix, and will be celebrated by the Rev. Robert Binta. The Biritz family is thankful for all of the expressions of sympathy they have received during this difficult season and are especially grateful for all of the prayers offered up on their behalf. Owens Livingston Mortuary - White Mountain Chapel of Show Low handled arrangements. Those who have special memories and would like to send private condolences or sign an online guest book are invited to visit www.owenslivingstonmortuary.com.