William C Ritchie, Sr., 83, of Port Richey, Florida and East Hampstead, New Hampshire, passed away on June 4th, 2022, at his home in Port Richey. He was the son of the late William and Sarah (Laycock) Ritchie.
Bill grew up in North Andover, MA, and graduated from North Andover High School in 1956. He leaves his beloved wife Carol; daughters Lynn Dodds and husband Dana of Georgetown, Kentucky; Dr. Maria Coady of Cary, NC; Lisa Gifford of East Hampstead, NH; sons Gary Ritchie, and Delia Dumaine of Hampton, NH; William Jr. and wife Alexandra of Hampton, NH; Michael Madden and wife Jane of Pelham, NH; Colonel Scott Maxwell and wife Dila of Berlin, Germany; his sister Caren and Harry Mattice of Lake Placid, Florida; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his son, Mark Ritchie of North Hampton.
Bill served as a Sergeant in the Hampton, NH Police Department for many years where he received numerous citations for meritorious service and heroism. He later became Chief of the Winchester NH Police and also served as a Deputy Sheriff in Rockingham County, NH.
After leaving the Police service, Bill was employed as a Security Manager for Digital Equipment Corp. and Kraft Foods, retiring in 2002.
After retiring, Bill and his wife moved to Port Richey, Florida, where they resided for 6 months of the year, enjoying boating and kayaking. He served on the Sand Pebble Point Board of Directors in Port Richey from 2008 to 2017, and for several of those years, served as President of the Board. He and his wife also volunteered their time at the Volunteer Way and the food pantry at the New Port Richey Congregational Church. Bill also volunteered with the Pasco County Sheriff’s Dept., where he worked at the County Court House.
In 2006, they moved their summer residence from Salem, NH, to East Hampstead, NH, where he served on the Angle Pond Woods Board of Directors until 2008.
There will be a Funeral Mass on July 19th at Saint Anne Parish, East Hampstead, NH, and a Celebration of Life for Bill and Carol’s friends and neighbors in Port Richey, Florida, at a later date.
Bill will be sorely missed by his beloved wife, his family, and his friends.
Donations may be made to the Saint Joseph’s Indian School or to the American Cancer Society.
Maria Coady
June 7, 2022, 9:26 pm
A beautiful tribute for an extraordinary man, husband, father, son, grandfather, great grandfather whose kind and wise presence was felt by all. I’ll remember countless conversations about life, love, family, faith, and compassion. We will miss you dearly. Maria and Ray
Holly and Morris
June 7, 2022, 9:35 pm
Hi Carol,I read the obituary.Our thoughts and prayers are with you.We have al lost a good friend and he will always be in our hearts.love,Holly and Morris
Doug McCormack
June 7, 2022, 11:40 pm
I had only met Bill on a number of occasions through family. He was always a most gracious gentleman. By all accounts he was a loving influence and I feel certain that he will be remembered and missed.
My condolence.
Joan Giammarino
June 8, 2022, 4:53 am
I’ll never forget the time Bill generously took our Sand Pebble Red Hat Ladies out on his boat for the Pasco County Boat Parade. He went along with our antics and made it a fun day. He was a happy guy and always had a smile for everyone. We’ll miss you Bill. Love, Joan & Artie Giammarino
Gary
June 8, 2022, 8:13 pm
We enjoyed spending time with Bill and Carol. Fondest memories were times on the water boating to Restaurants or trying to a dock to get ice cream. Those times and many others are treasured memories. Gary and Gerae
Patti &Joe Pipitone
June 9, 2022, 9:05 pm
I met Bill 20 +years ago as Carol’s hairdresser..two of the most wonderful people I have ever known…Bill was so Amiable and friendly and sweet. And I loved listening to him talk of his law in forcement days.. Rest in Peace Bill..we will miss you so much.
Patti &Joe Pipitone
June 9, 2022, 10:53 pm
I met Bill and Carol 20+ years ago when I became Carol’s hairdresser..Two of the most wonderful people I know..Bill was so Amiable, kind, sweet and would do anything for you.I would always love to hear his stories from his law enforcement days.. R.I.P Bill you will be missed 🙏♥️
Chops Baillargeon
June 9, 2022, 11:41 pm
You were larger than life when I was a kid. You truly will be missed. Rest in peace Bill
Nancy Haskell
June 10, 2022, 1:35 pm
Lots of great memories with Bill and family. Altho I had not seen Bill in 30 some odd years he will always have a special place in our family….he always had a smile for his friends and cared about those around him. I clearly remember a very difficult situation while visiting him during his first weeks as Chief of Winchester NH . He handled a very difficult situation with professionalism and strength when many would have crumbled. R.I. P. Bill till we meet again…Nancy Baillargeon Haskell
Ahmed Al Matani
June 10, 2022, 5:28 pm
Dear Prof Coady
Please accept my profound apologies. Although I don’t know your dad very well, I know for a fact he was a great father because he raised such a great and intellectual person like you. I really pray that you and your family have the patience and strength during such difficult times.
May he rest in peace
Ameen
Carol Branchaud
June 16, 2022, 2:11 pm
I remember the many times that our families and friends got together. Bill was a guy who always had a smile on his face and enjoyed life.
He will always be in our hearts.
Carol Branchaud and
Roger (in spirit)
LINDA MILLEY
June 18, 2022, 3:15 pm
Condolences from Bill Leary and Linda Milley from North Carolina … so glad we had the priviledge of knowing this delighful and loving man. He will be missed by many.
Sharon & Mike McNeil
June 20, 2022, 3:42 pm
Our sincere condolences to Carol and the family. Bill will be missed by all the APW residents that knew him. His smile was infectious! His service was honorable. RIP , Bill. ✝️
Ann Chalk
June 20, 2022, 10:56 pm
Sincere condolences to Carol, Lisa and family. Bill will be missed in our APW family. After such a long illness, may he now Rest In Peace. Ann and David Chalk