RIP John Ritz...

by MontelloMarketing

Posted: 12 years ago 23 replies

COPY WRITING

A mutual friend just pm'd me to let me know we lost one of our own a couple days ago when John Ritzkowitz passed.

He'd been a talented man facing health concerns and his own demons the 6 years I knew him. In recent years his work suffered a bit, but as far as I care to remember he was a good man.

I last saw John in Philly at a JV Alert seminar. He took Ross Bowring and me for a wild ride that will never be forgotten.

RIP old friend.

#john #rip #ritz

MikeHumphreys 12 years ago

I don't know what to say. I'm just completely numb over the news. I just did an interview with John a few months ago for a new product he was working on.

Brilliant marketer... brilliant copywriter... helluva of great guy too. I'm going to really miss him. RIP John.
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BrianMcLeod 12 years ago

HORRIBLE news... but thanks for letting us know, Vin.

John was a great guy and a workhorse of a copywriter.
The polar opposite of lazy.

I'm deeply, deeply saddened. ****.

Brian
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- ryanmilligan Banned 12 years ago
  
  I had a conversation with John once.
  
  Great guy and taught me more in 10 minutes than most could in 24 hours.
  
  R.I.P, thoughts go out to his family.
  
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  Harlan 12 years ago
  
  John was a wonderful man.
  
  He left us way too soon.
  
  A giant of a man with a kind heart.
  
  RIP John.
  
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Jay White 12 years ago

Great guy. Great writer. And always willing to help others improve their skills while asking nothing in return.

That Philly event was the last time I saw him too, Vin. Man, what a loss.

Prayers to his family...
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- Shaun OReilly 12 years ago
  
  I'm sorry to hear about the passing of John Ritz.
  
  Though I never met him in person, I was a customer of
  his and value his products. He always took the time to
  reply to any e-mails I sent him with a personal touch.
  
  He'll be sadly missed.
  
  My condolences to his family and friends.
  
  Shaun
  
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  Elmer Hurlstone 12 years ago
  
  There is also a thread on John's passing in the OT Forum:
  
  http://www.warriorforum.com/off-topi...john-ritz.html
  
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  Elmer Hurlstone 12 years ago
  
  John's obituary can be viewed here:
  
  John David Ritskowitz - Obituary - Duksa Family Funeral Homes
  
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Raydal 12 years ago

Sad news indeed. I never met John in person but I
could still remember about 5 years ago when I received
a Fedex letter from him containing a sales letter requesting
any "overflow" jobs that I could pass on to him. I don't know
if he wrote that letter but it was an impressive piece of
copywriting.
The copywriting community has indeed suffered a great
loss.

His family will be in my prayers.

-Ray Edwards
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Bruce Wedding 12 years ago

Wow! Life's too short. I also met John in Philly about 5 years ago. He was a giving human being and a good copywriter. I'm sorry to hear the news. My thoughts to his family.
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zapseo 12 years ago

As I mentioned in the off-topic thread -- John and I were moderators on the "Warrior Forum Friday Night Chat" back when Eric Louviere ran it.

We had some great conversations and I loved listening to John.

He was fun, funny, brilliant (as has been said) ... and I had been looking to connect back up with him again.

Lots of great times hanging out on Friday nights talking about all kinds of things ...

Godspeed, John ... 'til we meet again!

Live JoyFully!

Judy
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BarryADensa 12 years ago

Totally shocked!

I haven't been in touch with John for a few years.

He always sent me his products for feedback, and I often hired him to write my overflow. And whenever I had a technical question he was always ready with an answer.

Generous, kind, and great guy all around.

Really sorry to lose him.

Rest in Peace, John.
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DebbieB 12 years ago

I had the pleasure of meeting John when I was in the US three years ago for the summer. I was working about an hour from his home and we agreed to meet up for a brainstorming session.

The only small snag was that I had my young son with me. So John, ever thoughtful, arranged for us to meet at a lovely park near his home. We sat and talked for several hours while watching my son delight in everything the park had to offer.

That was the John I knew: thoughtful, kind and generous.

What a loss.

Debbie
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Ross Bowring 12 years ago

Always admired John's writing and selling talents. Sad news.

--- Ross
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- Steve The Copywriter 12 years ago
  
  This is very sad news.
  
  I remember John from Michel Fortins Copywriting Board - he always gave out great advice.
  
  So sorry he has gone.
  
  Sincere condolences to all his family.
  
  Steve
  
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Eric Louviere 12 years ago

Damn it, I just saw this. J-Ritz was (is) a fantastic, loving, caring, awesome guy. He used to play his electric guitar on the Friday chats... always had great things to say... and just glowed as a person.

He would give clinics on Friday nights for free, just to help people. He would school us on direct mail strategies and resources. I learned of Nextmark from him back in the day and that place was a goldmine for me and made me who knows how much money... and many other resources and advice.

he was a true student of copywriting and persuasion and direct mail. Hard, hard worker and a special person in this market.

He was one of the first copywriters I engaged and built a relationship with. I'll truly miss him and I'm eternally grateful for all he provided me over the years. This is a big loss for us. I wish him and his family the best. Dang, I'm shocked.

you were (are) great J-Ritz!

Your Friend Forever,

Eric Louviere
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JasonParker 12 years ago

Oh man, horrible.

Thanks for letting us know.

I didn't know him very well, but I knew him well enough to know he was a kind and funny person.

We all used to be on the Friday Night Chats years ago.

One time he gave away $500 in a fun little contest to a struggling marketer in there.

He also did something real nice for me one time and took a look at my very first sales page in the Pet niche.

I wish I had gotten to know him better, but what I knew of him was that he was a great guy.

My prayers go out to his family.
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ASCW 12 years ago

R.I.P.

It was only a week ago, that I linked someone to his copy sales page, so they could study it.

R.I.P. big guy.
I'll be praying for your fams.
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- Mark Andrews Banned 12 years ago
  
  Sad news indeed.
  
  My condolences to his family.
  
  Mark Andrews
  
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davemiz 12 years ago

wow that sucks.... Ritz was a cool dude... just makes you realize how precious life really is... take full advantage of every day... and count your blessings that you're healthy.
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David Mcalorum 12 years ago

Geeze that sucks

RIP
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twocolor 12 years ago

A reminder to live life passionately and on purpose. I did not know him but from what I have read here he was a kindred spirit who left a lasting legacy. May he rest in peace and may his family find peace in God.

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BrianMcLeod 12 years ago

Remembering John at The Warrior Event 2012 in Raleigh March 11, 2012

#WE2012 Remembering JohnRitz (RIP John Riskowitz)...
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