Louis Michael Ritacco – father, provider, husband, grandfather, great grandfather - transitioned to a new life with the Lord on October 2, 2015 at the age of 92. A member of the "Greatest Generation," Louis served aboard the Battleship USS New Jersey from 1942-1945 as the U.S. fought the Japanese in the Pacific. The 'Fighting Lady,' his only other love, was the setting for myriad war stories with which he regaled his children until we could tell the stories ourselves. After his marriage to Shirley Polivka (deceased), 'Luigi' dedicated his life to supporting her and raising four boys…no small feat. Working multiple jobs to make ends meet, he and Shirley attended kids' events such as little league, football, cub scouts, and boy scouts while still managing to enjoy life with block parties on the 4th of July, Halloween, Christmas, and any other excuse to have a get-together. In their later years, Lou and Shirley enjoyed square dancing, visiting the kids, going to the ranch, and just enjoying life to the fullest. Lou's leather craft hobby also helped him stay busy and produced many beautiful artifacts. Louis, a nine year resident of Windsor Retirement Community in Carol Stream, is survived by four sons, eight grandchildren and one great grandchild. Families are: Steven (Beverly), Kimberly and Kathleen of Stafford, VA; Richard (Donna), Samantha, and Nicholas of Woodridge, IL; Robert (Monica), Gina, Michael and Michael's daughter, Alexia Grace, of Bartlett, IL; Christopher (Kathy), Meagan, and Christian of Crestview, FL. Lou will be missed, but he is happy to be reunited with his best friend, Shirley.