Harry L. Ritchie

Harry L. Ritchie, 93, of Washington, passed away Friday, September 14, 2018, in the Donnell House, with family by his side. He was born October 15, 1924, in Washington, a son of Harry W. Ritchie and Thelma Miller Ritchie. Mr. Ritchie was a 1943 graduate of Washington High School. On August 25, 1943, he married his high school sweetheart, Louise “Tootie” Thomas.  They were happily married for almost 70 years before she passed away on August 20, 2013. A proud World War II veteran, Mr. Ritchie served in the Army with the 4025th Signal Service Group.  He was involved in campaigns in New Guinea and Southern Philippines.  Mr. Ritchie spent 15 months in New Guinea, where he encoded and decoded military messages, handled secret communications and maintained cryptographic files. He was awarded the American Theater Ribbon, Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon with two bronze service stars, a Good Conduct Medal, and World War II Victory Medal. He was honorably discharged on January 18, 1946, with a rank of Technician, fourth grade. Mr. Ritchie was a member of American Legion Edwin Scott Linton Post 175 and Church of the Covenant in Washington.  For the past five years, he attended Upper Ten Mile Presbyterian Church in Prosperity. Mr. Ritchie was employed at several companies in the Washington area as a mould maker, including Crile Machine.  He retired as a machinist from Ross Mould in 1987. Over the years, he thoroughly enjoyed being a rifle instructor at Frazier Simplex Rifle Club. Mr. Ritchie enjoyed spending time with family and friends.  Many Fourth of July picnics were held at his home where everyone could eat and enjoy the fireworks from the Franklin Mall.  Also, many Halloween and New Year’s Eve parties were held annually for years.  He and his wife, Tootie, loved entertaining in their home. Mr. and Mrs. Ritchie enjoyed traveling throughout the United States.  Their favorite places were Cape May, New Jersey, Atlantic City and Las Vegas.  They also spent time in England and France. Surviving are a daughter, Harriet (Dale) Smith of South Carolina; a son, Ronald (Vickie) Ritchie of Prosperity; five grandchildren, Kim (Mark) Hannan of West Virginia, Christi (Van) Taylor of South Carolina, Lori Balach of Washington, J. Brandon Ritchie and J. Bryant Ritchie, both of Prosperity; six great-grandchildren, Kaitlin Hannan, David Hannan, Nathan Petros, Jordon Petros, Gia Balach and Andrew Balach; and one great-great grandson, Zachary Petros. Deceased, in addition to his parents, are his step-mother, Madeline Ritchie, and a stepsister, Barb Malik. Friends will be received from 2 to 6 p.m., Tuesday, in William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington, where services will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, September 19, 2018, with Rev. Dr. Kenneth Schott officiating.  Burial will follow in Washington Cemetery.  Military rites will be accorded graveside by American Legion Edwin Scott Linton Post 175. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Washington City Mission, 84 West Wheeling Street, Washington, PA 15301.