John M. Ritchie

JOHN MICHAEL RITCHIE

PEPPERELL - John Michael Ritchie, age 87, a resident of Pepperell, MA since 1974, died Wednesday, October 27, 2010 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of the late Shirley Ann (Shields) Ritchie who died in 1992 after over 40 years of marriage.

Born in Bradford, Massachusetts on June 10, 1923, he was a son of the late Raymond B. and Elizabeth (McCaughey) Ritchie. Mr. Ritchie was raised in Haverhill, MA and was a graduate of Haverhill High School Class of 1941. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy serving from 1943 to 1946 serving in the South Pacific.

He graduated from the University of Massachusetts in 1950 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. He operated Boggastowe Farm Bed & Breakfast and Sugar House with his wife, Shirley. Mr. Ritchie had a long career in the engineering field until his retirement. He was a member of many civic and community organizations. He was a chairman and member of the Millis School Committee, St. Thomas Players, Minute Man Power Squadron, and rode to the hounds with Nashoba Valley Hunt Club. He was past president of the Groton- Pepperell Rotary Club, Pepperell Planning Board, Conservation Commission and Historical Society. He was a member of the Pepperell Senior Hot Shots Singers, and St. Joseph's Church Choir. His hobbies included sailing on his sloop, Genesis, wood carving, oil painting, wood working, horseback riding, singing, playing guitar, violin, and harmonica. He was a communicant of Our Lady of Grace Church worshiping at St. Joseph Church in Pepperell, MA.

He is survived by four children, Michael S. Ritchie and his wife Diane of Pepperell, MA, Suzanne R. Stich of New Hartford, CT, Brian F. Ritchie and his wife Lisa of Berlin, NH and Kevin J. Ritchie and his wife Nancy of Pepperell, MA, three brothers, Robert C. Ritchie of Bradford, MA, Joseph P. Ritchie of Salem, NH, and William E. Ritchie of Concord, MA, a sister, Mary Ritchie of Bradford, MA, fifteen grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by two sons, Timothy and John and two brothers, Lawrence and Francis.

Visiting hours on Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Marchand Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant Street, Pepperell, MA. A funeral Mass will be offered on Monday morning at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Grace Church worshiping at St. Joseph Church, Tarbell St., Pepperell. Burial to follow at St Joseph Cemetery, Pepperell. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Groton & Pepperell Rotary, P.O. Box 321, Groton, MA 01450 For on-line condolences, go to www.marchandfuneralhome.com. Funeral Director, NORMAND E. MARCHAND.