Mr. Ralph F. Ritchie, age 76, of Reading formerly of Medford, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on October 18th, following a short illness. He was the beloved husband of Sheila (McGinn) Ritchie and together they shared 52 years of marriage. Born in Malden he was the son of the late Ralph and Eva (Mills) Ritchie.
Fred, as he was affectionately known, was a retired thirty-two year veteran of the Medford Police Department. He was also a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corp and honorably served as a Sergeant with the Marine Corp during the Korean War. Fred was an avid sports fan and loved to follow all of the Boston Teams. He enjoyed running as a hobby and often participated in many charitable runs. However his greatest joy came from time spent with his family and friends. He cherished spending time with his family and especially his loving grandchildren who he adored. Fred loved a goodtime and to be by the pool with his family. He was a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather always willing to lend a hand and help others.
Fred is survived by his wife, Sheila, children Kimberly Ritchie-Whooley of Reading, Michael Ritchie and his wife Susan of Billerica, Sandra O'Hara of Medford. He is predeceased by his son, the late Kenneth Ritchie, and son-in-law, the late Neal O'Hara. He is also survived by his loving grandchildren, Kerin, Elsie, and Jason Ritchie, Casey, Kevin and Conor O'Hara, Kaila and Jenna Whooley. He is further survived by his sister, Marilyn McIntosh of Salem, NH.
Funeral services will be held from the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., MEDFORD Saturday, October 22nd, at 9 a.m. followed by a funeral mass celebrated in St. Patrick Church, 71 Central St., Stoneham, at 10 a.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours Friday from 4 thru 8. Interment services will be private. It has been requested that in lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Fred's memory to Hospice of The North Shore, 75 Sylvan Street, Suite B 102, Danvers, MA 01923.