TOMS RIVER, NJ (Sept. 4, 2025) – The Ocean County YMCA (the Y) honored Chairman of the Board Michael P. Ritacco with its highest recognition, the Red Triangle Award, celebrating his commitment to advancing the organization’s mission of nurturing youth, fostering healthy living, and building stronger communities.
Ritacco received the award at the 2025 Red Triangle Reception on August 14, where more than $60,000 was raised to support the Y Cares financial assistance program, ensuring that area children, families, adults and seniors can access vital Y programs and services regardless of ability to pay.
The event was hosted in Manasquan by Dave and Sue Manzo. Dave, who serves alongside Ritacco on the Y board and has been his friend since childhood, was honored to open his home to celebrate the occasion.
The Red Triangle represents the Y’s holistic mission to nurture spirit, mind, and body. As the Y’s highest honor, the award is reserved for individuals whose longstanding commitment has advanced the mission and programs that strengthen the community.
A Point Pleasant resident, Ritacco has served as the Y’s board chairman since 2018. He is an active supporter of community programs in both Ocean and Monmouth counties and was a founding board member of the Toms River Field of Dreams, a recreational complex for children and adults with special needs.
Ritacco takes pride in coaching his children’s travel basketball teams and staying involved in all their extracurricular activities.
“As a father, it’s important for me to give back to an organization that’s focused on nurturing our youth and improving the health and well-being of all Ocean County residents,” said Ritacco. “I’m honored to receive this year’s Red Triangle Award and to be a part of an event that raises funds to ensure the Y’s programs continue to remain available to everyone who needs them.”
In addition to his service to the community and family involvement, Ritacco joined UBS Financial Services as the managing director in October 2013. In this role, he works with families, foundations, and businesses to establish strategies that grow, protect, and distribute wealth in the most tax efficient manner. Through teamwork, they leverage their capabilities and resources to fully assist clients with private family office services.
Prior to joining UBS, Mike spent the first 13 years of his career with Merrill Lynch in Toms River and Princeton.
“As the Board Chair for the past five years and an active community servant, Mike has shown his dedication not only to the Y’s mission, but to the betterment of his community,” said Ocean County YMCA President and CEO Laurie Goganzer, who also leads YMCA of the Jersey Shore. “The time he’s spent giving back to his community, the recognition he’s received at UBS and his steadfast commitment to his family exemplify all aspects of what the Red Triangle Award represents.”
Event supporters included: the Citta Foundation, Wintrode Family Foundation, Causeway CARes, UBS and Daniel and Mary Walsh.
To learn more about supporting the Y’s financial assistance program, visit https://ocymca.org/support/.