Joseph Terrance Biritz

Joseph Terrance Biritz passed away on Friday, August 30, 2013 at St. Rose de Lima Hospital in Henderson, Clark County, Nevada from complications of a lengthy illness. He was 71 years old. Joseph was born on Wednesday, March 18, 1942 in Chicago, Cook County, Illinois to his parents, the late Joseph Paul and Wanda M. (Biancalana) Biritz. Joseph grew up in Chicago and graduated from Elmhurst High School in Elmhurst, Illinois - Class of 1960. He later attended DeVry and Allied Tool & Die Trade Schools where he received a degree in Engineering. He and his wife, Victoria moved to Phoenix, Arizona in 1970 with their 3 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 three million dollar 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 bing 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; his 3 children: JoAnn (Stephen) Ferradino, Christine (Synacek) Biritz, Joe (Ivy) Biritz; his 2 sisters: Geralyn (Andrew) Kipta, Loretta (Louis) Kipta; his 4 grandchildren: Breann Ferradino, Paul Ferradino, Andrew Synacek, Jovi Biritz; his 2 nephews: Dr. Joseph Kipta, Louis Kipta; his 2 nieces: Christine (Chris) Harney, Melissa (John) Sagat and many other family members and friends. The Memorial Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will begin 11:00 A.M., Wednesday, September 25, 2013 at St. Benedict Catholic Church, 16223 S. 48th Street in Phoenix, Arizona and will be celebrated by the Rev. Fr. 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 in their behalf.