John Joseph Laritz, Jr., 94, of Pensacola passed away Sunday, September 13, 2026, at The Waterford Carpenter’s Creek.

John was born in Molino (Barrineau Park), Florida, but resided in Pensacola for most of his life. He graduated from Pensacola High School in 1949. He continued his education at Florida State University and the University of Florida, receiving his BA in Business at FSU. He worked for several local construction companies and took great pride in his masonry and construction work, skill, and expertise on the following iconic buildings around town: The Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Pensacola Junior College now PSC Tower Clock, Pensacola Christian College, St. Slyvester Catholic Church, Andrew’s Institute in Gulf Breeze, Church of the Holy Spirit, Olive Baptist Church and many other buildings around town. As his grandson Bryant Cobb stated, “It’s the town that Pa built.” He was an avid football fan, who loved the Florida Gators. His main hobby was walking the white sands of his beloved Pensacola Beach and during the colder months, he was a frequent walker at Cordova Mall. He served two years in the Army in England as a Transportation Management Coordinator during the post-WWII era.

John is preceded in death by his parents Lyda Irwin Laritz and John Joseph Laritz, Sr; and his sister Barbara Laritz Erwin.

John is survived by his wife of 65 years, Helen B. Laritz; his son David Michael Laritz (Ann); his daughter Molly Laritz Cobb (Richard); three grandsons: Vernon Bryant Cobb (Katie), Tanner Payne Laritz, and Payton Robert Laritz; and one great-grandson Miller Bo Cobb.

A special thank you to all the great healthcare professionals who were active in John’s medical journey over the years: West Florida Medical Center Clinic including Dr. Ron Powell, Dr. David Gaston, Nicole Ferreira, APRN-C, Brandy Franklin, PA-C, and Dr. Greg Walters; West Florida Medical Center Physical Therapists including Casey Dull and Nicole Bell; Ascension Sacred Heart Hospital including Dr. Ristenka Prnarova, DO and Erin Yuknis, APRN; A special thanks to the The Retina Specialty Institute including Dr. Sunil Gupta, MD and Dr. Ryan Tarantola; Carpenter’s Creek wellness team lead by Nadia Smith, LPN. Amanda Bell, LPN; Ann Thomas, Clinical Coordinator; Cintia Posey, Caregiver Mentor; Andrew Johnson, LPN; Karen Jones, Nursing Aide; Mya Jones, Med Tech; Briana Madison, Med Tech; Cynthia Figueroa, Nursing Aide; Lillanne Deouis, Med Tech; Nia Fails, Med Tech; Lavesha Dixon, Nursing Aide; Rochard Watson, Nursing Aide; Tamajah Knight, Nursing Aide; Jessica Torres, Med Tech, all who embraced us like family and cared for John with compassion and dignity; and VITAS Hospice Care, who guided our family daily, including Corinna Waters, Amber Wagner, and Josh Servo, Rachel Schwartz, Urshla Hha, and Jennifer Crisco. Finally, our dear friend and confidant, Patti Gurney, BSN, RN, “Dr. Gurney” for her love, friendship, care and guidance throughout our journey.

Private family service will take place at a later time.