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One of Long Island’s most iconic voices — that unmistakable cadence announcing “ron KON ko ma” to Long Island Rail Road passengers — has fallen silent.
Van Ritshie, the Long Island Rail Road voice actor who became a cherished and often mimicked presence for commuters, passed away on Sunday, Nov. 3, following a brief illness, his family announced this week. He was 80 years old.
With a five-decade career as a radio personality and voice-over artist, Ritshie’s distinct voice is forever etched into the memories of countless LIRR riders.
On the Ronkonkoma line, his familiar tone would echo through the car as the train doors opened in their “wuh wuh-wuh-wuh wahhh” sound, followed by the signature “ding ding” tone just before Ritshie’s announcement:
“This is the train to Ronkonkoma.” If you were at the Central Islip stop, his voice, like an old friend reminding you of your stop, would add: “The next station is Ronkonkoma.”
Ritshie’s LIRR announcements came in a deep yet uplifting tenor, waking many a commuter — often just in time to leap from their seat and make it to the platform. Sometimes, it was too late: Sleepy Patchogue riders never wanted to still be on the train and hear Ritshie cheerfully tell them “The next station is Speonk.”
Ritshie, a Queens native, lent his voice not only to the LIRR but also to Metro-North, becoming an essential sound in the daily lives of millions of New Yorkers. His talents extended well beyond the rails: He was the voice of Universal Studio’s “Earthquake” ride, the image voice for the PGA Tour from 2005 to 2008, and the narrator for numerous radio and TV commercials.
A longtime Poughkeepsie resident, Ritshie was affectionately known as “The Voice of the Hudson Valley,” spending nearly 30 years as a radio DJ in the area.
The train voice who also sang
Ritshie was also a singer, performing at countless weddings and other special events. His “Christmas in Poughkeepsie” performances remain a cherished memory for many.
Ritshie’s grandson Austin Wieserner shared a touching tribute to his “Papa Van” on Facebook.
“My grandfather loved big, lived large, and left a lasting legacy,” wrote Wieserner, who learned how to play golf from his grandfather. “There is nothing greater than to be loved by him. I hope he knows how much I loved him in return.”
Ritshie is survived by his wife of 44 years, Barbara; their three children, Cathy Hull, Lynette Waterfield and Scott Ritshie; four grandchildren, Renee Cole, Amanda Hull, and Austin and Connor Wieserner; four great-grandchildren, Dominique Hull-Quilantan, Evan Cole, Calvin Quilantan and Caeden Zinney; and his younger brother Kurt.
Services for Ritshie will be a celebration of life to be announced at a later date, according to his family.
The next station is … Grand Central
Ritshie was till recording his voice for the LIRR when it added service to Grand Central Station in New York.
And until recently, he was still offering his voice services.
Top photo: YouTube/Matt Jordan and Instagram/Van Ritshie.
