KINNELON, NEW JERSEY, USA — The construction industry in Kinnelon, along with the close-knit wrestling and outdoor communities across Morris and Ocean counties, is mourning the sudden death of Carlo Ritacco, 51, who passed away on July 1, 2026, following a drowning incident in Barnegat Bay the previous morning.
According to information provided by emergency responders, the incident occurred on the morning of June 30, 2026, at Bayfront Park in Forked River. Authorities stated that dispatchers received reports of a swimmer in distress in Barnegat Bay shortly before 8:30 a.m. Responding officers from the Lacey Township Police Department arrived at the scene and entered the water in an attempt to reach the individual, with assistance from a nearby boater. The victim was brought to shore, where CPR was initiated before emergency medical personnel transported him to Community Medical Center in Toms River for advanced care. Despite continued medical intervention, he was pronounced deceased on July 1, 2026.
Officials have not released further details regarding the circumstances surrounding the incident, and the matter remains subject to standard review procedures.
Born on April 16, 1975, in Belleville, New Jersey, Carlo Ritacco was widely recognized as a dedicated executive and community figure. He served as Vice President of Field Operations at Ritacco Construction, where colleagues described him as a committed leader with strong ties to both field staff and management. His professional life was marked by long-standing involvement in the construction and infrastructure sector, where he was respected for his leadership and work ethic.
Beyond his professional career, Ritacco was known for his active role in family life and community activities. He was described as an avid outdoorsman with interests in fishing and hunting, and he maintained a strong presence in youth sports communities, particularly wrestling, where he supported his sons throughout their athletic involvement. He was also remembered by family and friends for his humor, social presence, and devotion to family gatherings.
He is survived by his wife, Jennifer Ritacco; his sons, Michel and Roman Ritacco; his parents, Michele and Immacolata Ritacco; his siblings, Tony, Rita, and Mirella; and extended family members, including in-laws, nieces, nephews, and close friends.
The family has announced visitation services scheduled for Friday, July 10, 2026, with public hours from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A memorial service is expected to take place during the evening hours, followed by a private cremation. A celebration of life gathering is planned for Saturday, July 11, 2026, in Kinnelon, New Jersey, with additional details to be shared by the family.
At this time, the family has not released any further statements beyond service arrangements.
Disclaimer: The information published in this report is provided for general informational purposes only. While every effort is made to present accurate and timely information, not all details have been independently verified and may be incomplete or subject to change as additional official or family-confirmed information becomes available. Readers are encouraged to rely on statements from the family and official authorities for verified updates.
