NEW YORK (PIX11) – Van Ritshie, the man who voiced the Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North train announcements, died earlier in November at the age of 80, according to his family.
Ritshie’s voice became known for on-board MTA announcements like: “This is the train to Ronkonkoma.” He also voiced commercials, hosted radio shows and emceed local celebrations, his family said in his obituary .
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Ritshie’s work earned him a Congressional Medal of Honor.
“For decades, his announcements brought a familiar presence and comfort to commuters across New York,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said.
Ritshie was born in Astoria and loved to golf and ski, his family said. He died on Nov. 3 after battling a brief illness. Ritshie had three children, four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, his family said.
“RIP to Van Ritshie, the iconic voice behind the automated announcements on our M7 trains,” the MTA said in a post to X .
Emily Rahhal is a digital reporter who has covered New York City since 2023 after reporting in Los Angeles for years. She joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of her work here and follow her on Twitter here .