Kevin Jay Ritchie

MERIDEN - Kevin Jay Ritchie, 60, lost his courageous battle with cancer on Friday, March 29, 2013 at the West Haven, Conn., VA Medical Center surrounded by his children Jay and Jamie and his loving family.

Born June 27, 1952 in Meriden, Conn., he was the son of the late Arthur and Bette Ritchie. He attended Meriden schools and was drafted into the Army in 1972 during the Vietnam era. He spent his entire military career on active duty and received numerous awards and commendations, serving with several major units including the 1st Armored Division, 141st Signal Command, 32nd Army Air Defense Command and the 7th Infantry Division. He retired from Fort Ord, Calif., with 20 years of active duty serving and receiving the rank of First Sergeant.

After his retirement he resided in Meriden and was employed by Meyer's Supply Company in Waterbury, Conn., for several years. Kevin was a die-hard N.Y. Yankees, N.Y. Giants and UConn women's basketball fan and also enjoyed fishing, going to the casino and blowing up Professional Pyrotechnics.

He is survived by his son, Jay Ritchie and his wife, Lisset; a daughter, Jamie Ritchie, all of Bisbee, Ariz.; grandchildren, Jayden, Jacqueline, Akela, J.J. and Sophia; and his former wife, Ursula Ritchie, of Bisbee, Ariz. He is also survived by his two brothers, Barry H. Ritchie and his wife, Diane, of Meriden, their children, Nicole Ritchie, Jaclyn Shields and her husband, Ian, and their children, Kadence Marut-Camp and Ethan Mark Camp; and Wallace A. Ritchie and his wife, Deborah, and their children, Kegan, Kyla and Killian, all of Daytona Beach, Fla.; and a niece, Kirsten Ritchie, of Stamford, Conn. He also leaves behind his loving partner, Mary Ann Ricci Peruta, of Meriden, with whom he lived along with their many cats, and her son, Adam, of Syracuse, N.Y.

He will also be sorely missed by his many Army buddies as well as very special friends, Robert Hettrick Jr. and his wife, Kathy, of Meriden, Joseph and Marilyn Ricci, of Canton, Linda Hettrick and George Beebe, of Cheshire, Dana Athorne, of Westbrook, Alex Calle, of Meriden, Steven Zygmont, of Meriden and the Pyrotechnics Crew, along with numerous cousins scattered around the U.S., including Linda Ritchie, of Colorado, Dee (Diane), Ritchie, of Florida and Richard Ritchie Jr., of Connecticut. He was predeceased by his nephew-in-law, Mark Raymond Camp.

At Kevin's request, there will be no calling hours. A private memorial Mass with full military honors will be held at the convenience of the family. Also at his request, his ashes will be buried in his favorite spots by his children, Jay and Jamie at a location previously determined. Arrangements are under the direction of the John J. Ferry & Sons Funeral Home, 88 E. Main St., Meriden, Conn. 06450.

The family wishes to thank the doctors and staff of Yale-New Haven Hospital, Oncology Department, and the West Haven Veterans' Administration Hospital and Medical Center, especially Dr. Oren Brody for the kind, dignified and gracious care his staff provided to Kevin, (who was one of this country's most true and dedicated military heroes), throughout his long battle with his illness and their collective compassion and attempts to save his life.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Meriden Humane Society, 311 Murdock Ave., Meriden, Conn. 06450. For online condolences, please visit www.jferryfh.com .