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Robert Ritchie Obituary
Mr. Ritchie is survived by his daughters, Elizabeth Meybohm and Robin Riles; a son, Robert Riles; grandchildren, Amber Riles, Tanner Riles, Tabitha Meybohm, Brandi Riles and Jessica Brandon; brother, John Ritchie; cousins; nieces and nephews.
One of five children Robert was born in Malden, Massachusetts, the son of Lawrence and Lillian Ritchie. Robert Thomas Ritchie grew up in the post-war period in the Northeast. He studied Accounting at Bentley College then at 21, he volunteered to serve in the United States Coast Guard. Robert was one of five USCG pilots deployed to Vietnam as part of a joint operation with Air Force. During his tour, Robert "The Kid" Ritchie flew search and rescue missions in the "Jolly Green Giant" helicopters, and in recognition of his service he was awarded the Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross and Bronze Star, among other decorations and commendations. Following the war, he served as a Flight Training Instructor and was stationed variously in Louisiana, Alabama, Puerto Rico, Washington, D.C. and Florida. During his time in Mobile, Alabama, he met his wife, Frances Marie Tindell, and the two were wed in 1973. Together they raised three children and were blessed with five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. In 1993, Captain Robert T. Ritchie retired from active duty, having served 29 years in the USCG. Following his retirement, Robert found odd jobs and projects to keep himself busy. He worked severally as a taxi driver, gas station attendant, and mechanic; he even helped clean and repair the Goodyear blimp. His life in the service taught him there was no problem that couldn't be engineered out of. He loved everything Boston (be they Bruins, Red Sox, Celtics or Patriots).
He will be remembered by his family as a cantankerous, opinionated, loving, brilliant and selfless man. In 2019, his wife Frances Ritchie passed away. May they now be reunited together in Heaven.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Ritchie
3 Entries
Lt.Colonel Vince Ziccardi, USAF Retired
December 12, 2023
Over a year since Rob passed on but like most of the guys I was honored to serve with worth in Vietnam over fifty-five years ago, I will take their memories with me until I join them. Vince, "Jolly Green" pilot.
Vincent A. Ziccardi, Lt. Col. USAF Retired
December 5, 2022
I had the pleasure and honor of serving with Rob in the 37th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron in Vietnam in 1969. Rob was affectionately known as "the Kid" as he was the ranking junior officer among the squadron pilots. He and his USCG colleagues were among some of the most personable, talented and courageous pilots ever to be assigned to one unit in my experience as a career USAF pilot. Though I never met his wife and family in the years after Vietnam, I extend my sincerest condolences to them all as I remember Rob as a friend and colleague.
Cecil T. Loter
October 8, 2022
I first met Rob at Pensacola in 1965 when we reported for Flight Training as USCG AVCADS.
He went to Eglin for Jolly Green training in 69 and I got to Hurlburt for C-123 school about the same time as he was leaving. We were supposed to meet up at Bacon's By The Sea, a local watering hole in Fort Walton Beach but I just missed him. The last time I visited with him was at Mobile in 71. We kept in touch occassionally by email but I hadn't heard from him in the past year or so. Shocked and saddened to hear of his passing. He was a mentor and hero to many and a good friend.
My sincere condolences to the family.
Cecil T. Loter
CDR USCG (Ret)
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Stanly Funeral & Cremation Care - Albemarle1835 Badin Rd PO Box 207, Albemarle, NC 28001
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