Van Ritshie, the man whose voice delivered announcements to millions of New Yorkers on Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North trains, has died. He was 80.
Ritshie died Nov. 3 from a brief illness and was surrounded by family, according to his obituary.
The Astoria native had a long career in radio and voiceovers, but any New Yorkers who knew his name likely knew him as the voice of LIRR and Metro-North trains. His deliveries of “Ronkonkoma” and “Massapequa” were particularly adored by many people.
“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 began his work as “The Voice of the Hudson Valley” in 1995, according to the Daily Voice. He continued recording new LIRR and Metro-North announcements when necessary, including the 2023 addition of Grand Central Terminal to the LIRR. His voice will remain on the trains even after his death, according to the New York Times.
Though best known for his transit work, Ritshie’s day job was at local radio stations. He worked at the Hudson Valley stations WRNQ “Q92” from 1989 to 2004 and WGNY “Oldies 98.9” from 2009 to 2017. He most recently worked at WALL in Orange County.
Ritshie was known for mentoring up-and-coming radio DJs and also voiced several radio and TV commercials, his family said. He also enjoyed wishing people “Happy Birthday” over the air if he got the chance.
“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 wife of 44 years, Barbara, their three children, Cathy, Lynette and Scott, and four grandchildren.