Van Ritshie, the person whose voice delivered bulletins to tens of millions of New Yorkers on Lengthy Island Rail Highway and Metro-North trains, has died. He was 80.
Ritshie died Nov. 3 from a short sickness and was surrounded by household, in accordance with his obituary.
The Astoria native had an extended profession in radio and voiceovers, however any New Yorkers who knew his identify doubtless knew him because the voice of LIRR and Metro-North trains. His deliveries of “Ronkonkoma” and “Massapequa” have been notably adored by many individuals.
“For decades, his announcements brought a familiar presence and comfort to commuters across New York,” Gov. Hochul wrote Wednesday on social media. “Our thoughts are with Van’s family and loved ones.”
Ritshie started his work as “The Voice of the Hudson Valley” in 1995, in accordance with the Day by day Voice. He continued recording new LIRR and Metro-North bulletins when needed, together with the 2023 addition of Grand Central Terminal to the LIRR. His voice will stay on the trains even after his dying, in accordance with the New York Occasions.
Although greatest identified for his transit work, Ritshie’s day job was at native radio stations. He labored on the Hudson Valley stations WRNQ “Q92” from 1989 to 2004 and WGNY “Oldies 98.9” from 2009 to 2017. He most not too long ago labored at WALL in Orange County.
Ritshie was identified for mentoring up-and-coming radio DJs and likewise voiced a number of radio and TV commercials, his household mentioned. He additionally loved wishing folks “Happy Birthday” over the air if he received the prospect.
“RIP to Van Ritshie, the iconic voice behind the automated announcements on our M7 trains, who passed away earlier this month,” the LIRR wrote Wednesday on social media.
Ritshie is survived by his spouse of 44 years, Barbara, their three youngsters, Cathy, Lynette and Scott, and 4 grandchildren.
