David J. Ritchie

David J. Ritchie
New Berlin – Found peace, August 9, 2025 at the age of 76. Cherished husband of Debra M. (nee Gambony) and loving father of his children, Aaron (Mollie) Ritchie, Kathryn (Gabriel) Benavides and the late Jessica King, his stepchildren – Regina (Charles) Lester and Victor Perez. David was a proud grandpa to his grandchildren; Adaline, Eloise, Abel, Jayden, Jacob, Vincent, Austin, Anthony, Bella, Tory and Brock.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Arlene and Kenneth Ritchie, and his two surviving sisters, Suzanne Giaimo and Rose (Paul) Kinowski, survived by nieces, nephews, relatives and many friends.
David also loved his animals especially his fox terrier mixture named "Lady." After she passed he had a Boxer named "Sheba" and after 14 years he took in an eight month old boxer named "Sophie." After seven years he felt that "Sophie needed a playmate and "Daisy" was brought into the family.
David worked as an Apprentice/Journey Meat Cutter with National Foods for one year following graduation from Messmer High School in Milwaukee in 1967. After high school he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1968-1970. He served one tour in Vietnam with the infantry where he was wounded in action. He was awarded a commendation medal and purple heart for his heroic actions under enemy fire.
In 1973 David joined the Milwaukee Police Department and retired after 30 years of service. He was promoted to Data Services as a Supervisor and again with the Milwaukee District Attorney's office before he retired. While he was a police officer, he joined the U.S. Air Force Reserves in 1977 and was stationed at the 440th Airlift Wing, 34th Aerial Port Squadron in Milwaukee, WI. David served for 24 additional years in the U.S. Air Force and achieved the rank of Master Sergeant.
Throughout his 24 years with the reserves, David volunteered for multiple temporary duty assignments that brought him all over the world.
A memorial visitation is Thursday, August 21, 2025, at Hartson Funeral Home, 11111 West Janesville Rd., Hales Corners, WI, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. with s Memorial Service at 12:00 p.m. and then will proceed to Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 21731 Spring St., Union Grove, WI.