UTICA – “I rejoice when I endure weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and distress for the sake of Christ. For it is when I am weak that I am strong.”
The family of Ronald Joseph Ritchey, 91, regretfully announced his passing on Thursday, Aug. 17, 2023. Ron was earnest in his Christian faith and often expressed thanks for simple blessings and kindnesses borne from life’s daily routine. Not only did Ron live simply and sincerely as a servant of Christ in his many roles and relationships as husband, father, and grandfather, but he also connected his grandchildren with their rich, Lebanese ethnic background and Utica’s historical past.
Ron was born on May 11, 1932, in Newark, to the late Abraham and Nazarah Ritchey. As a young man, Ron attended Utica Schools and continued the family tradition of Utica High School graduates in 1950. Ron worked for Velvet Ice Cream before settling into the family business as first an employee and later partner in Ritchey’s Restaurant in Utica. While working at what was once called the “most popular gathering ground in town,” Ron met Virginia Schooler, and he would later marry “Ginny” on Jan. 30, 1971.
Ron spent the majority of his work life with the Ohio Department of Transportation beginning as a Drafting Technician and finally as a District Maintenance Superintendent after 34 years of service. Just prior to and during his early retirement years, Ron returned to the family business and assisted the third-generation “Ritchey Crew” in the restaurant until its closing in 1998.
Over the past 25 years, Ron has been a reliable servant to Christ and many others by supporting his late brother (Louis), sister (Betty), and mother-in-law (Genevieve) through various difficulties and health concerns. He was a member of the former Church of the Nativity Catholic Church in Utica where he served as an usher, organized several fundraising projects and trained parish youth. More recently, he maintained his Roman Catholic faith and membership with Saint Vincent de Paul Church in Mount Vernon, but he also enjoyed and appreciated fellowship with his friends at the Utica Presbyterian Church.
Ron is survived by his wife, Virginia A. Ritchey of 52 years, and son, Brad M. Ritchey (Kellie). Ron is also survived by grandchildren Madalyn, John, and Jackson Ritchey.
Family members will receive relatives and friends at Brucker-Baker Funeral Home, 34 N. Main St., Utica on Tuesday, Aug. 22, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and again on Wednesday, Aug. 23, at 10 a.m. A funeral liturgy will immediately follow visitation on Wednesday morning at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at South Lawn Cemetery.
Ron was thoughtful in donating his time, talent, and treasure, so in lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be directed toward any worthy charity.
To sign an online guestbook, please visit www.Law-BakerFuneralHome.com.
