John RITCHEY II

RITCHEY, II, Colonel John P. Colonel John P. Ritchey ll, age 58, died on 14 September 2017 at Duke University Hospital in Durham, NC. He will be deeply and profoundly missed by his wife of 35 years, Beth, and sons Tradd (Juli) and Miles. He is survived by his Mom, June, and brother, Jim, as well as nieces and nephews. John was born in West Point, NY, and began his life as an Army brat. He thrived in that environment, learning to water and snow ski, to scuba and sky dive, to learn new things with each move. He's a graduate of The Citadel in Charleston, SC, where he met Beth and was commissioned into the Army, and began his own military career. He was Airborne, Ranger, Air Assault and Jumpmaster qualified, served in Haiti and Afghanistan, and above all, was a good and honorable soldier. His second career afforded him the opportunity to work with old friends from The Citadel and the military, as well as to forge many new and lasting friendships. Burial and a celebration of life will be at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery. To honor him, please donate to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation.