larry ritchie

Larry Ramon Ritchie, 82, of Weirton, passed away peacefully on December 11, 2024, at Weirton Medical Center surrounded by his loving family.

He was born August 4, 1942, in Steubenville Ohio, a son of the late John and Mardelle Rossell Ritchie. In addition to his parents, he also was preceded in death by his brother, John Ritchie, and a caring uncle and friend, Robert Rossell.

Larry graduated in 1960 from Weir High School where he was a standout baseball player and wrestler. Afterwards, he joined the U.S. Air Force, serving as an airman-1st class in Europe during the Cold War. Upon returning home, he studied at a community college in Steubenville and at West Liberty State College. Later, he worked for Weirton Steel for 37 years, retiring as a senior industrial engineer. After his retirement, he enjoyed working as a Code Enforcement Officer for the City of Weirton.

He married the love of his life, the former Michele Garan, on April 27, 1965, in Virginia, then renewed their vows the following May 27 at St. Mary’s Byzantine Catholic Church in Weirton.

Larry enjoyed spending time with his family as a devoted and loving son, brother, husband, father and grandfather. He loved attending his grandchildren’s sporting events with his wife and was a dedicated sports enthusiast spending time on local golf courses and at fishing spots in the U.S. and Canada. He also volunteered his time as a “spotter” from the Bob Rossell Press Box during Weir High football games. Also, Larry was an avid fan of the Weir High Red Riders, WVU Mountaineers and Pittsburgh Steelers; a past member of the Weirton Elks; and enjoyed family vacations in Ocean City, MD, and Myrtle Beach, SC.

In addition to his wife of nearly 57 years, he is survived by his daughters Susan Adams (Skyler Roth) of Weirton, Lauren (Brandon) Oktela of Pittsburgh, PA, and Kristin (J. Bryan) Edwards of Morgantown, WV; granddaughters Amelia Adams (fiancé Ryan Kirk), Alexis Adams, Alison Zima; grandsons Gary Nathaniel Edwards and Larry Joshua Edwards; his mother-in-law, Olga Garan; as well as his brothers-in-laws, sisters-in-laws, nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held 4-7 PM Friday and 1 PM until 2 PM on Saturday at Greco-Hertnick Funeral Home, 3219 Main Street, Weirton. Funeral services and a Liturgy of the Word are scheduled Saturday at 2 PM at Greco-Hertnick and will be conducted by Father Dennis R. Schuelkens. Interment will follow at Saint Paul Cemetery.

Larry’s family wishes to thank the Hancock County Ambulance Service, Dr. Neil Khurana, the 8th floor staff at Weirton Medical Center, Valley Hospice and Father Schuelkens for the professional and spiritual care he received.

In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorial contributions may be made to the American Parkinson’s Disease Association and to the St. Joseph the Worker Building Fund (Weirton). Share tributes and memories at www.grecohertnick.com.

Services

Visitation: December 13, 2024 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Greco-Hertnick Funeral Home
3219 Main Street
Weirton, WV 26062

(304) 748-3219
https://www.grecohertnick.com

Visitation: December 14, 2024 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

Greco-Hertnick Funeral Home
3219 Main Street
Weirton, WV 26062

(304) 748-3219
https://www.grecohertnick.com

Funeral: December 14, 2024 2:00 pm

Greco-Hertnick Funeral Home
3219 Main Street
Weirton, WV 26062

(304) 748-3219
https://www.grecohertnick.com

An image showing the branch of service for Air Force Veteran

Charities

The family greatly appreciates donations made to these charities in Larry Ramon Ritchie 's name.

American Parkinson Disease Association

www.apdaparkinson.org

Saint Joseph the Worker Roman Catholic Church

229 California Avenue

Weirton,

WV

26062

304 723 2054

www.stjoeweirton.org

Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. Dear Michele, I’m so sorry for the loss of your beloved husband,Larry. I never had the pleasure of meeting him, but he had to be a special person to spend his life with an equally special lady as you. Please accept my heart felt condolences for you and your family loss. You’re friend and classmate, Harry McFarland Jr.

  2. Candle Selection 2My deepest sympathy for the loss of your beloved husband, father, and grandfather. May his memory be eternal.

  3. Candle Selection 5Dear Michele, I am very sorry to hear about your Larry’s passing. I remember the times I spent with him when I was a member of the Elks. You and your family have many many memories of him to hold on to.

  4. Dear Michele and family. Please accept my sincere condolences over your loss. I will be praying for you. God Bless!
    Sincerely, Jim Brandolino

  5. Michele and family,
    My deepest sympathy in the loss of your husband and father. May his memory
    live forever in you hearts, Prayers are with you.

  6. Candle Selection 2Dear Michelle and family, we are so sorry to hear of Larry’s passing. I grew up across the street from them and remember him and John well. Jody Trupiano Gerbo and George Gerbo

  7. Michelle: We are so deeply sorry for your loss. I am so glad we ran into each other recently so I could gab (a little) and joke w/Larry like we use to; his laugh would make me laugh! Keeping you in our prayers and, again, we are so deeply sorry for your loss.

  8. Candle Selection 8So very sorry for your loss. I pray that God wraps his tender arms around you and takes your heartache and grief away. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

  9. Michelle,
    I was so sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved husband , father to the girls and grandfather! May Larry rest in peace . You and your family are in our prayers!

  10. Candle Selection 3Dear Michele and family, we send our heartfelt condolences for Larry’s passing;
    we will never forget what a nice, friendly guy he was, always with a smile; so proud of his family. Mike often talked about Larry (they were next door neighbors growing up) and what a fantastic baseball player he was. Such wonderful memories.
    Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers at this sad time and always.
    Love, Mike and Marlene Runkel

  11. Kristin, Bryan, Nathaniel, and Josh, and family,
    We are saddened to know of your dad/granddad’s passing. We pray for the comfort of memories, laughter as you tell stories, and feeling the love around you.

  12. Candle Selection 1Dear cousin Michele and family,
    So saddened to see the obituary here. Please know of my heartfelt and deep sympathy as your mourn your loss. I shall keep you all in prayer. Sincerely, Stan

  13. Mrs Ritchie, Susan, Lauren, & Kristen,
    I was deeply saddened to hear about Mr. Ritchie, he was always so nice not only when I stayed at your house but anytime I saw him. He was truly a sweetheart. I will keep all of you in my prayers during this difficult time.
    My deepest sympathies,
    Chrissy

  14. Candle Selection 6Our thoughts and prayers are with you your friends from Carolyns Florist Carolyn and Melany Bever


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