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Dr. James Riutta, Sr., OD
Born: 4/26/1943
Died: 7/27/2022
Age: 79
Community: Flushing , MI
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Dr. James Robert Riutta, Sr., OD, of Flushing, Michigan, age 79, died Tuesday, July 27, 2022 at Willowbrook Manor. Funeral Mass will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, August 3, 2022 at St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Flint. Fr. Tom Firestone will officiate. Interment to follow at New Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be 3-9 p.m. Tuesday, August 2 at Rossell Funeral Home with a 7 p.m. Rosary service. The family requests there please be no flowers or plants. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Powers Catholic High School.
James was born in Flint, Michigan on April 26, 1943 to Arne and Jean (Bissonette) Riutta. He graduated from Flint Northern High School in 1961 where he was the #1 swimmer in the state. He then received a swimming scholarship to the University of Michigan where he lettered. James continued his education at The Ohio State University where he earned his Doctorate of Optometry and eventually retired from a successful career as an optometrist. He was married to the love of his life, Sharon Vessells, for 58 years. Together they loved to travel and remained together through the best and worst of times. They believed strongly in their Catholic faith. He is with her now in love and peace as she preceded him in death on December 1, 2019. After James' retirement he became a substitute teacher. His joy in retirement was riding his bike with his friend, Jeff Reinhard. James spoke fondly of his many friendships in his last days.
James is survived by his children, Jill (Lee) Bruff, Jana Riutta, and Justin (Robin) Riutta; grandchildren, Thomas (Dallas Moon) Woolhisr, Elyse (Jacob) Vinson, Hunter Riutta, and Macy Riutta; great-grandchildren, Opal Rose Vinson and Oliver Thomas Woolhiser; siblings, Thomas (Bonnie) Riutta, Mary (John) Budnick, and Ann Ploucha. He was preceded in death by his son, James Robert Riutta, Jr., and his parents. |
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| Visitation |
| Date: |
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8/2/2022 |
| Time: |
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3:00 PM |
| Visitation will be 3-9 p.m. Tuesday, August 2 at Rossell Funeral Home with a 7 p.m. Rosary service and 10 a.m. Wednesday at the church until the time of the Mass. |
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| Funeral Service |
| Date: |
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8/3/2022 |
| Time: |
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11:00 AM |
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| Location: |
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St. John Vianney Catholic Church
2415 Bagley Street
Flint, MI 48504Get a Map to this location...
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| Official: |
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Fr. Tom Firestone |
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