CAMDEN, N.J. (1010 WINS) -- The retired president of Ravitz Family Markets, which operates several ShopRite stores in New Jersey, died Tuesday from the coronavirus, his family confirmed.
Steve Ravitz, 73, died after battling the virus for 13 days in the hospital, his son Jason Ravitz said online.
"Our hearts are broken on the loss of our beloved father/grandfather/brother/uncle Steve to the coronavirus - he battled for thirteen days in the hospital - we started a makeshift memorial at the corner of Springdale and Evesham Road in front of our store," Jason said in a Facebook post. "Under the current conditions, this is the best that we can do to collectively express our anguish and sorrow - not in any shape to gather our thoughts and write a tribute as this is too fresh and the last couple weeks have been awful - one definitive lesson that everyone should take from the loss of Dad is that this virus is not the flu, it is far worse and if it grabs hold, it can ravage your body - it is a deadly disease and acts indiscriminately - please please please take precautions - there is no cure or treatment guaranteed to heal anyone - Dad would not want anyone else to suffer."
In a statement Wednesday, Camden County Freeholder Jeffrey Nash said the Ravitz family stepped up to help the community during the coronavirus crisis, as they have for decades.
“Steve and his family didn’t think twice about providing the county with $10,000 to feed seniors and anyone who was at risk of going hungry in these historic times," Nash said. “We will miss his willingness to serve our region from his position with Temple Beth Sholom to his support of the arts in Cherry Hill. He was a good man who always saw the best in society."
The Ravitz Family Markets runs the PriceRite of Camden as well as five ShopRites in south Jersey.
Steve Ravitz is survived by his sons Jason and David, his daughter, Remy Strause, his brother, Ron Ravitz and eight grandchildren.