Longtime Voice Of LIRR Dies At 80

LONG ISLAND, NY — If you've been on the Long Island Rail Road in the past two decades, then you know who Van Ritshie is. The booming voice behind the train announcements died recently at the age of 80.

Governor Hochul posted to X on Wednesday that she was "saddened" by Ritshie's death.

"For decades, his announcements brought a familiar presence and comfort to commuters across New York," she wrote.

The LIRR also honored the name behind the voice on X:

"RIP to Van Ritshie, the iconic voice behind the automated announcements on our M7 trains, who passed away earlier this month."

Ritshie, who also provided train announcements for Metro North commuters, was known as the "Voice of the Hudson Valley" for his half-century of radio work.

But it was the signature "This station is... Rockville Centre" with his familiar cadence and sound that would make him a regular part of the commute for Long Islanders.

The funeral home's website said Ritschie died on Nov. 3 after a "brief illness." A celebration of life is being planned for a later date.