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Northborough, Massachusetts

Michael Ritchie Obituary

Michael "Gitch" W. Ritchie, 59, of Northborough died Tuesday, March 31, 2009 at St. Vincent's Hospital in Worcester following a long illness.

Michael is survived by his wife, Dianne M. (Hewitt) Ritchie; two sons, Shawn E. Ryan of Brimfield and Timothy J. Ryan of Northborough; a daughter, Amy L. Ryan of Worcester; his mother Mildred A. Ritchie of Northborough; two sisters; Sharon Nesvold of Wisconsin and Donna Ure of Northborough; a brother, Stephen Ritchie of Northborough; three grandchildren; as well as nieces and nephews. Born in Boston, MA and raised in Northborough, Michael was the son of the late Robert J. Ritchie.

Michael graduated from Algonquin Regional High School in 1968. He was President and Owner of Ritchie Bus Lines, Inc. in Northborough, which recently celebrated its 50th year in business. Mike was a former Selectman in the Town of Northborough for 6 years. He was an Associate member of the American Legion Post #234 in Northborough. He enjoyed golfing as well as spending time with his friends, many business associates, but especially his family.

A funeral Mass will be held Saturday, April 4, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. in St. Rose of Lima Church, 244 West Main Street (Rte. 20) Northborough. Burial will follow in Howard Street Cemetery. Calling hours will be held Friday, April 3, 2009 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. in Hays Funeral Home, 56 Main Street (Rte. 20) Northborough. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: American Diabetes Association, ATTN: National Call Center, 1701 North Beauregard Street, Alexandria, VA 22311 or The American Legion Scholarship Fund, c/o Don Starkey, P.O. Box 234, Northborough, MA 01532. For online condolences or directions please visit:

www.haysfuneralhome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Worcester Telegram & Gazette on Apr. 2, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Ritchie

Not sure what to say?





Tom King

April 15, 2009

My sympathy's go out to all of Mike's family. Mike was a good friend, classmate, teamate and I enjoyed working for him and his family. My prayers and heart goes to his family. Tommy King

Janet Otto

April 7, 2009

I am very sad to hear of Mikes passing. Our prayers & thoughts are with you.

Janet & Bill Otto

Steve Crispo

April 6, 2009

Saddened by your loss and passing along our prayers & sympathies to the Ritchie family from the Herlihy Insurance Group

Shawn Bennear

April 4, 2009

I was deeply saddened to hear of Mikes untimely passing. I had the honor of working for Mike a number of years ago and can remember that he treated each and every one of his employees like they were a member of his own family.

I am absolutely sure that he will be missed by all those fortunate enough to have known him.

Pamela Flynn

April 3, 2009

To the Ritchie Family, Our thoughts are with you all, Gitch was a warm and happy soul and he will be missed by all who knew him.

Pam(Baldelli)& Mike Flynn

Tim & Robin Poulin

April 3, 2009

To Diane,Shawn,Timmy,Amy amd Tara.

Many people in their lifetime never get to know someone as wonderful as Mike. I feel very lucky to have known him for the time I did. Great Boss, Great person, Great man. I will miss him very very much. Our deepest sympathy to you all. Mike - rest in peace.

Jane Marshall

April 3, 2009

So sorry to hear of Mike's passing. He was a gentle man with a big heart. My deepest sympathy to the entire family. My prayers are with you.

Frank Broderick

April 3, 2009

Michael was a friend, a younger "brother", and much more than just an employer. I worked for Michael for many years--he was always good to me. He will be sorely missed.

He leaves behind his life long business started by his mom and dad--may their legacy live on. I was fortunate to have been a part of it.

Diane, our sincere condolences to you and your family. Millie, our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.

Sincerely, Frank & Mary Ann Broderick

April 3, 2009

Donna,
We are so sorry to hear about your loss. Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. You are in our prayers and thoughts.

Allie & Tony

Gary Gardner

April 2, 2009

Sorry to hear of Mike's passing.

Rob & Cathy Sanborn

April 2, 2009

Our thoughts and sympathies to Amy and her family on their loss...

The Sanborn Family

Paul Mayo

April 2, 2009

Such a great loss to everyone who knew him. he was a careing down to earth person who put everyones needs and wants before his own. He will be missed by many

Stephen Schemel

April 2, 2009

My most sincere sympathy to the entire Ritchie family. Mike will be sadly missed.

Patrick Blake

April 2, 2009

Therese (Luippold) Blake and myself will truly miss Michael. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Ritchie family.

Peter Pescatore

April 2, 2009

All of us at LimoLiner offer our condolences to the Ritchie family. We will always remember Mike as a generous spirit and a good friend.

Donald @ Diana Ekberg

April 2, 2009

Diana and I have lost a very dear friend,Our thoughts and prayers are with the Ritchie Family.

Liz Orciuch LaClair

April 2, 2009

Shawn and family...I am truly so sorry for your loss! May the love and supprt of your family and friends help you through such a difficult time. My deepest sympathies...

Bill Pellegrine

April 2, 2009

We are sorry to hear of Mike's passing. Our condolences go out to his family & friends.

Bill Pellegrine, Tony Gemba and everyone at New England Detroit Diesel-Allison.

Paul Travers

April 2, 2009

My condolences to you and your family.
Paul Travers

Dennis King

April 2, 2009

We have all lost a very special person, you will be missed.

Lora (Quinn) Philip

April 2, 2009

My deepest sympathies to the Ritchie family. I have many fond and wonderful memories of Mike. He definitely played a huge part in the lives of many in Northboro. His smile and sense of humor, along with his Dad's improved the beginning and end of many of my school days. With special regards to Sharon, Donna, Stephen and Mrs. Ritchie.

Linda Richardson Domack

April 2, 2009

So much vitality and joy! Mike was one of the "bright lights" and his energy and fun-loving spirit will be remembered for many years to come. Deepest sympathy to his family!

Pete Martin

April 2, 2009

I was so sorry to hear of your loss. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help at this time.

George & Claire Zeiba

April 2, 2009

Our Thoughts are Prayers are with you all. Such a great loss

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