George Ritner Aka "Georgal" & "Papa"

George Ritner, a successful attorney and self-made man was born in New York, the son of immigrants who came to this county to escape persecution in Russia.

What is most important to know about George is that he honored and prioritized his adoring wife of 67 years, Judy, along with his beloved family that includes 2 daughters, 3 grandchildren, and one great grandchild. George also loved his two cats, Truffle (Trouble) and Oliver, who were rescues.

Born the year before the Great Depression, George grew up with both the scars and the lessons around the importance of family values and financial security. After losing his mother at an early age, George gave precedence to his dream of having his own family and a marriage that would endure a lifetime. In both he succeeded, as his family was truly blessed from the dedication, commitment and integrity in which he lived both personally, as well as professionally.

While growing up in New York, George couldn’t afford a ticket to the Yankees so he watched the game from the outside. In high school, his acumen and diligence were apparent as a young newspaper carrier, winning many awards from the Long Island Star Journal for doubling the size of his route. In 1946, his father moved their family from Flushing, New York to Los Angeles, CA where George eventually graduated from UCLA.

George then went onto serve in the U.S Navy as a Communications Officer during the Korean War, serving on various ships at Sea, as well as in Tokyo, Japan at COMNAVFE (Commander Naval Forces Far East). This included a post at the United Nations Command, Korean Armistice Delegation at Munsan, Korea, entrusted with top secret delicate confidential correspondence under the command of Vice Adm. C. Turner Joy.

In 1955, George graduated from UCLA Law School. After taking his bar exam, George was set up on a blind date by his fraternity brothers, where he was to meet the love of his life, Judith D. Liberman, whom he professed as “the sweetest girl (he) ever met.” They married in 1958 and held hands until his last breath, in commitment to “until death do us apart.”

In 1959, George and Judy moved from Los Angeles to San Diego where they raised their family, settling in La Jolla. After practicing law for almost 40 years, George retired in 1994. Known as the premier go-to expert in San Diego for consumer related bankruptcy matters, George founded the acclaimed Debt Relief Legal Clinic, assisting those seeking alternatives to traditional bankruptcy. Respected and highly revered both nationally and locally as an innovative specialist in his field, George was invited to appear before the U.S. House of Congressional Committee to speak on the considered changes in Federal Bankruptcy Law at that time.

Inspired by the “Golden Rule” found in the Hebrew Bible, George stayed true to the words “do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” George cared about humanity, truth, and the Ten Commandments, passing these ideals onto his children.

Other sayings such as “nations shall beat their swords into plowshares,” and “justice, justice, justice, you shall pursue” along with the quote “luck is what happens when preparedness meets opportunity,” were some of his most favorite sayings.

George’s focus on the value of education, lifelong learning and the idea that healthy debate fuels higher level thinking lay at the foundation of the philosophy in which he emphasized as important to his family, friends and associates.

For several years, he produced a journal on behalf of the local San Diego B’nai B’rith devoted to the history, trials and tribulations of the Jews, the Holocaust in his mission to promote tolerance, and understanding.

His love of museums, art, classical music, Broadway and MGM musicals and the Yankees kept him entertained and set the stage for his family member’s love for the same.

George lived his life entrenched in his deep love for his family. His legacy encompasses the true meaning of what it means to be a real husband and father through every day selfless actions that exceed obligation.

George is survived by his cherished wife Judy, treasured children Stacey and Robin (Jeff), grandchildren Daryl (Nick B.), Carly (Nick G.), Kaelie, and great-grandson Avalon – all of whom he worshipped and who made him so very proud. George’s passing creates an irreplaceable void as the leader and captain of our ship, who will be so very missed to those that had the amazing good fortune to have him in their lives.

Funeral Services to be held at Hillside Memorial on Sunday, February 16, at 10AM. 6001 West Centinela Los Angeles, CA 90045. Lunch off-site to follow.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to the American Heart Association is appreciated.