Obituary of Colleen Patricia Rittof
Colleen Patricia Rittof, age 76, of Channahon, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, February 10, 2024, with her loving family by her side.
Born April 16, 1947, in Joliet, she was the daughter of the late Robert and Mary Patricia (Rogers) Carey, and was a graduate of Joliet Township High School. She and her husband owned and operated the popular Rittof’s Restaurant in Channahon, from 1987 to 2004.
Colleen was a loving and devoted wife and mother, and the adoring “Nana” to her beloved grandsons. She was an active and vital member of her community, the Village of Channahon, and her church family, St. Ann Catholic Church, where many lifelong friendships were made and nurtured. She was also generous with her time and energy in numerous volunteer capacities. She shared her love for all through the food she cooked at the family restaurant, and later, at the Channahon Elementary School District 17. Colleen cherished the numerous relationships that developed from her years at Rittof’s Restaurant and the school cafeteria.
Her retirement was filled with joy in following the sports and school activities of her grandsons. She was proud to be the #1 fan of the St. Ignatius Chicago Wolfpack hockey and lacrosse teams.
Surviving are her children, Rob Rittof and Fred (Tracie) Rittof, both of Channahon, and Kathy (Bill) Kosmala of Chicago; her two grandsons, Cameron and Owen Kosmala; one brother, Dennis (Lynn) Carey of Joliet; a sister-in-law, Kathy Carey; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Frederick M. “Fred” Rittof, Sr., (October 23, 2003); her parents; and one brother, William Carey.
A Memorial Gathering for Colleen will be held Saturday, February 17, 2024, from Noon until the time of her Mass of Christian Burial at 2:00 p.m., at St. Ann Catholic Church, 24500 S. Navajo Drive, Channahon. Cremation rites have been accorded and interment in St. Mary Cemetery, Minooka, will be at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in her name to Mercy Home for Boys and Girls, 1140 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL 60607 (www.mercyhome.org) would be appreciated.
Fred C. Dames Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. For more information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com
