Timothy J. Ritchie
November 8, 1949 - February 10, 2022
Timothy J. Ritchie, age 72, of Elkton, MD, passed away peacefully from complications of pulmonary fibrosis on Thursday, February 10, 2022, at Christiana Hospital, surrounded by his family.
Born in Wilmington on November 8, 1949, he was a son of the late Arthur W. and Frances T. (Harrity) Ritchie. Tim attended Christ Our King Catholic Parochial School, P. S. DuPont High School in Wilmington and the University of Delaware in Newark. He made his career as a Certified Real Estate Appraiser and had recently retired from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
A voracious reader from an early age, Tim could always be found with “his nose in a book.” He was an excellent cook and greatly enjoyed the outdoors, especially kayaking and fishing.
Tim was a “friend of Bill” for many years and touched many lives with his empathy and compassion for others struggling against addiction. During the ongoing pandemic, he missed the personal interaction with his friends at meetings.
Tim loved his family very much and he will be greatly missed by them.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Veronica Tusi and Sara Ritchie. Tim is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Petra Ritchie; son, T. Andrew Ritchie (Yvonne Kunz) of Olympia, Washington; daughter, Genevieve Ritchie-Ewing (Christopher) of Dayton, Ohio; three grandsons, Benedict, Griffin and Alexander; sisters, Mary Ellen Trzcinski, Kathleen Oliver and Paula Setting; and brothers, Arthur (Bill), Michael and Patrick.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 9:30 am until 11:00 am on Friday, February 18, 2022, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 121 W. Park Place, Newark, DE, where a funeral service will begin at 11:00 am. The family requests that face masks be worn by all in attendance, regardless of vaccination status. Interment will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Tim’s memory to Doctors Without Borders, P.O. Box 5030, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5030 or by clicking here or to the Sunday Breakfast Mission, P.O. Box 352, Wilmington, DE 19899 or by clicking here.
Kate Morgan
You will be greatly missed . Glad to share in some laughter and good times , especially at Larry and Paula’s great get together’s !
Devantai Johnson
I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers to the family.
Lyn Doto
My sympathy to your family for the loss of Tim to pulmonary fibrosis.
Thoughts and prayers are with you.
Lyn Doto
David Dickey
My condolences to Petra and Mike and to your families! We’ve lost a good one! We spent a lot of our lives together, I will miss his presence in my life!
Sandy Lott
What a great loss. I was blessed for many years to spend time together on Sunday mornings at Displaced Park Place meetings. I can still hear your special laughter. You will be so missed
Terry Torbert
Tim was a Friend. A Mentor. A Sponsor. A Fellow Kayaker. But most importantly he was an example to me that no matter what life threw at you, there could ALWAYS be the possibility of finding something to smile and LAUGH about. I often was envious of him and his ability to “wear life like a loose garment” as he taught me.
All I know is this : I am the Man I am – the Husband I am – the Father I am – and the “PopPop” I am in large part by my having him in my life.
God’s Speed Tim. We’ll see each other again some day. You and I and Fran and Peter will meet again over coffee find things to laugh about.
Marie Rossachacj
Dear Petra,
My deepest sympathy. A great loss to all. My love to you and the children.
Marie Rossachacj
Mike Gillen.
So sorry for your loss. He was a good friend to many and a master of meditation. I will miss him.
Lane Suarez
Beautiful video and photo montage! You found the photos that really captured Tim! I can almost hear his laugh in the main photo you chose. What a big, beautiful clan. Wish I could be there with everyone. Sending lots of love & support across the miles.
Duke Simoneau
So sorry to learn of Tim’s death. I worked with him as a Regional Appraiser at USDA. When the Agency nationalized the function, Tim’s experience, his quiet wisdom, wonderful spirit and sparkling personality made him an invaluable member of our team. I am so sorry for your loss. He was a great person that I am very proud to have worked with.
Cay Lacey
We started missing Tim’s generous nature and team spirit when he retired from USDA-RD. I’m sure he has a special place in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. I will always treasure the time we worked together.
Sidney Taylor
Sorry to hear this sad news, Tim was a Great and Kind person who will be greatly missed.
My Prayers are with his Family and Friends
Jabree Archie
Dear mr.Timothy j Ritchie you were a great great man you mentored me for 10 years of my life you played a huge part in becoming the person I am today . Love Jabree Archie and I send my condolences to your family..love you always mr.Ritchie