Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1944
DIED
2025
William Ritchie Obituary
Bill's career was in telecommunications, but his true passion was for the arts and philanthropy. Bill had a generous spirit, and for years, he gave his voice to audiobook productions for Recording for the Blind, and he lent his singing voice to the Washington Revels and the Georgetown Chorale, as well as serving on their Boards. He was a frequent attendee and supporter of the Kennedy Center, and as a young man directed plays at a theater in Nantucket, MA, where he spent many happy summers with family. Bill was also proud to support medical technologies at Sibley Memorial Hospital that, as it turned out, he benefited from as a patient over the past year.
Bill enjoyed his family, friends, WWII history pertaining to events that his father participated in, and watching a variety of sports, especially NFL football and the Washington Commanders. He had a sense of humor that was always near the surface, which helped to keep him and those around him feeling positive.
Bill is survived by his sister, Louise Ritchie Beale (John), nieces Sarah (Brady Demarest), Katharine, and Christina Beale, and two grandnieces. They along with many other family members and friends will miss him, his gentle nature, and his trademark sense of humor.
Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at Church of the Little Flower, 5607 Massachusetts Ave., Bethesda, MD 20816 on Friday, March 7, 2025 at 10 a.m.; with a visitation before starting at 9 a.m. Interment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Bill's name to the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad (https://www.bccrs.org). Please sign the online guestbook at:
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Ritchie
4 Entries
JUDY STOVER
March 5, 2025
DEAR DEAR BILL, Jon and I will miss you watching the Redskins (Commanders)
and all of the lacrosse teams with us. I will miss making dinner for you every Sunday night. I will miss our family history together. I will miss you boundless gifts you brought to my family. I will miss having to turn up the heat in the house because you were always cold. I loved you dearly, as I said when I left your room moments just before you passed to the better place. Your Mom and Dad, my Mom and Dad, and Mac are all waiting to be with you again. I love you,
judy. And Jon says "batter, batter!"
Dale Jenkins
February 23, 2025
Many thanks to Bill for his many years of friendship, love and support. Great appreciation for Bill. He was a Godsend. Bill was a rescuer in many ways to lots of people. I was amazed in the last year of his life to see his peaceful, positive endurance on his painful journey. He will be greatly missed. So long for now, Bill.....until we all meet at that beautiful shore. Love, Dale Elaine
Barb Kent
February 21, 2025
The loss of Mr Bill Ritchie is a great loss to the world. He was one of my dearest friends for over 40 years & the kindest person I´ve ever met. He was generous with love, support & encouragement. Bill loved to support children and a variety of arts programs. His love and encouragement of my musician son helped him become the successful man he is. We´ve lost an angel and I will miss him so. Farewell my dear friend - you´ve earned your wings.
Judy Smith, Backstage Ass't Mgr.
February 17, 2025
His generous contribution to THE WASHINGTON REVELS lives in my memory. Who gives a whole building for the group to use for rehearsals, offices, storage?
Answer BILL RITCHIE. Amazing.
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results
Make a Donation
in William Ritchie's name
Memorial Events
for William Ritchie
How to support William's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor William Ritchie's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
