Jack Ritchie

John J. “Jack” Ritchie, age 73, of Aldan, PA, passed away on October 17, 2022. Born in Philadelphia, PA, he was the youngest son of the late Willard and Helene Ritchie (nee Lafferty).

Jack grew up in the Highland Park section of Upper Darby alongside his brother and many Lafferty cousins. He was a graduate of St. Laurence School and then Monsignor Bonner High School (Class of 1968) in Drexel Hill, and played as wide receiver on the football team while there.

Jack served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War from 1969 to 1970 in the mechanized 5th Infantry Division. Upon return, he studied and apprenticed as a plumber, but eventually moved to less “crappy” work at the Philadelphia Navy Yard. He retired from the Navy Yard as a Planning Estimator after three decades (and many friendships) there.

By nature (plus trial and error), there was nothing Jack could not build or repair by hand. Often found with a Miller Lite nearby, Jack made major additions and renovations to his longtime home including building a family room (with the help of friend, Tom Bowen). He enjoyed many hours in that room until he passed there. He loved fishing and boating …and seafood. Thanks to his Lafferty side, he was an adventurous eater and loved spicy foods. The man never met a hot sauce he would not try. Jack loved fine  dining foods as much as cheesesteaks, hot dogs, or Buffalo wings (of which he had won a few hot wing contests in New Jersey bars).

He was an original “girl dad” before that term was coined and made popular. As evidenced by coaching his daughter, Kate, in both the Aldan Girls Club and St. Joseph’s Collingdale softball teams. Jack later became a “Crew Dad” when Kate rowed at Prendie and he made friends with many crew parents thanks to the early morning wake-ups. It should go without saying that Jack was an avid Philadelphia sports fan despite how much he cheered/jeered the Eagles.

Jack is survived by his beloved wife of fifty years, Joanne Ritchie (nee Shields), his loving daughter, Kate Ritchie, and his brother, William “Bill” Ritchie (wife; Maureen). He’s also survived by cousins, brothers-in-law, and many loving nieces and nephews in this large Irish Catholic clan.

Graveside services are scheduled for Friday, November 18 , 2022 at 11:30 AM in Sts Peter and Paul Cemetery. As you enter Sts. Peter and Paul Cemetery proceed straight ahead to the chapel. We will meet there at 11:15 AM and process to the grave together. Following the graveside services, everyone is invited to continue to celebrate Jack's life at a luncheon in The Towne House,117 Veteran's Square, Media, PA. 19063 at 1 PM.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to a charity of the donor’s choice would be appreciated. Please consider donations to environmental non-profits, especially those regarding ocean and wildlife conservation or ethical and sustainable farming and fishing practices.