Francis E. Ritchey, 93, of Everett, passed away on Wednesday, January 7th, 2015. He was born Wednesday, November 2nd, 1921 in Pittsburgh, as son of the late Velma (Fletcher) Ritchey. On June 26th, 1948 he married Mildred W. (Wigfield) Ritchey who passed away on December 3rd, 1997. He is survived by their son Joseph O. Ritchey of Everett and Switzerland, Two sisters, Marlene Corley of Bedford and Julia Ann Browell and companion Mead Dickey, of Enola A brother John Ritchey and wife Annie of North Fort Myers, Florida, Two sisters-in-law Shirley Ritchey of Everett and Ethel Ritchey of Everett And many devoted cousins, nieces, nephews and their families. He was preceded in passing away by three brothers, Donald Ritchey, Austin Ritchey and Willard Ritchey. Mr. Ritchey was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church in Everett, a 50-year member of the Everett Lodge #524, F&AM, the Harrisburg Consistory, the Jaffa Shrine of Altoona, a life member of the Everett Fire Company #1 and a 50-year member of the Everett American Legion Post #8 He served in the United States Army during World War II in the Mediterranean Theater as a Sergeant with Troop C 81st Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron. His service included Campaigns in Tunisia, Naples-Foggia, Rome-Arno, Northern Apennines and Po Valley during which he received the Purple Heart Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, the Good Conduct Medal, The European African Middle Eastern Service Medal with five Bronze Service Stars. After returning home from his service to our country, Francis was a founding partner in Tri-County Bulk Milk Haulers of Everett along with his brother Donald and their friends Ron Foor and Bob Batzel where he worked until his retirement. He was a passionate hunter who enjoyed hunting in all seasons, was an excellent gardener who kept a bountiful vegetable garden at his home and truly enjoyed spending time at his farm near Five Forks. He will be greatly missed for his love of family and the time they spent together. Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 10th, 2015 at 2:00 pm in the Chapel at Dalla Valle Funeral Service, Main Street, Everett, with Rev. David Wright officiating. Friends may call at the funeral home on Friday from 4:00 to 8:00 pm, on Saturday from 12:00 noon until the hour of service and share memories online at www.dallavalle-everett.com. Burial will be held at Everett Cemetery. The Everett Lodge #524, F&AM will conduct services at the funeral home Friday at 7:30 pm and the Everett Honor Guard will conduct military graveside honors.
Visitation Details
Friday, January 9th, 2015 4:00pm - 8:00pm, Dalla Valle Funeral Home
Saturday, January 10th, 2015 12:00pm - 2:00pm, Dalla Valle Funeral Home
Service Information
Saturday, January 10th, 2015 2:00pm, Dalla Valle Funeral Home
Interment Details
Everett Cemetery
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