William D. Ritchie's Obituary
William D. Ritchie, 80, of Rehoboth Beach, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, December 30, 2010 with his loving wife at his side.
Mr. Ritchie was born in Butler, Pa. but spent most summers in Rehoboth Beach where his family maintained a second home. The family later moved to Rehoboth Beach and Bill graduated from Rehoboth High School in 1948. Immediately after graduation he joined the U.S. Navy, serving during the Korean conflict.
Following his military discharge, he studied English Literature and History at the University of Delaware, graduating with a bachelor's degree in 1954. After graduation he took a position as an Insurance Agent with Liberty Mutual in New Jersey. Later Bill worked and lived in New York City and retired in 1993 from Bally of Switzerland, a high-end importer of shoes and leather goods. In 1994, he relocated with his wife, Silvia, to Rehoboth Beach , and worked part-time for Lenox China for many years.
Bill’s biggest enjoyment was being a volunteer with the Overfalls Maritime Museum Foundation as a Ship’s Guide and as part of the restoration crew, “The Dirty Hands Gang.” One of the highlights of his work with the Foundation was being part of the crew that brought back the Overfalls Lightship from Norfolk to Lewes after its hull repair.
Bill was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Rehoboth Beach, where he served for nine years as Deacon. The children of Westminster loved Bill’s humor in his various roles during Vacation Bible School and remember him as the crazy professor, the rabbi and other characters. Bill served on several committees at Westminster as well and was a founding member of the Cape Henlopen Food Basket. He also served as President of both the Eagles Landing II Home Owners' Association and the Eagles Landing Master Home Owners' Association for many years.
Bill is survived by his wife of 32 years, Silvia; two sisters, Chervyl (Sis) Maloney and husband Harold, and Peggy Tappan and husband William Tappan, both of Rehoboth Beach; two daughters, Paula and husband Walter Goff, Brenda, and husband Mark Mariani both of Houston, Tx.; son Keith Ritchie of Atlanta, Ga.; daughter-in-law Dana Ritchie of Atlanta, Ga.; six grandchildren, Melissa Santiago and husband Michael of Houston, Tex.; Amanda Goff and fiancé Josh Erwin, of Austin, Tex.; Erik and Matthew Mariani of Houston, Tex.; Collin and Erin Ritchie, of Atlanta, Ga.; two great-grandchildren Mia and Max Santiago; and many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Jan. 15 at 11 a.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 301 King Charles Ave. at Laurel Street, Rehoboth Beach. Friends may call from 10:00 to 10:45 at the church. Burial service will be private.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Westminster Presbyterian Church, Building Fund, 301 King Charles Ave, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971, or Overfalls Maritime Museum Foundation, P.O. Box 413, Lewes, DE 19958
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