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Larry Ramon Ritchie, 82, of Weirton, passed away peacefully on December 11, 2024, at Weirton Medical Center surrounded by his loving family.
He was born August 4, 1942, in Weirton, a son of the late John and Mardelle Rossell Ritchie. In addition to his parents, he also was preceded in death by his brother, John Ritchie, and a caring uncle and friend, Robert Rossell.
Larry graduated in 1960 from Weir High School where he was a standout baseball player and wrestler. Afterwards, he joined the U.S. Air Force, serving as an airman-1st class in Europe during the Cold War. Upon returning home, he studied at a community college in Steubenville and at West Liberty State College. Later, he worked for Weirton Steel for 37 years, retiring as a senior industrial engineer. After retirement he enjoyed working as a Code Enforcement Official for the City of Weirton.
He married the love of his life, the former Michele Garan, on April 27, 1965, in Virginia, then renewed their vows the following May 27 at St. Mary's Byzantine Catholic Church in Weirton.
Larry enjoyed spending time with his family as a devoted and loving son, brother, husband, father and grandfather. He loved attending his grandchildren's sporting events with his wife and was a dedicated sports enthusiast spending time on local golf courses and at fishing spots in the U.S. and Canada. He also volunteered his time as a "spotter" from the Bob Rossell Press Box during Weir High football games.
Also, Larry was an avid fan of the Weir High Red Riders, WVU Mountaineers and Pittsburgh Steelers; a past member of the Weirton Elks; and enjoyed family vacations in Ocean City, MD, and Myrtle Beach, SC.
In addition to his wife of nearly 57 years, he is survived by his daughters Susan Adams (Skyler Roth) of Weirton, Lauren (Brandon) Oktela of Pittsburgh, PA, and Kristin (J. Bryan) Edwards of Morgantown, WV; granddaughters Amelia Adams (fiance Ryan Kirk), Alexis Adams, Alison Zima; grandsons Gary Nathaniel Edwards and Larry Joshua Edwards; his mother-in-law, Olga Garan; as well as his brothers-in-laws, sisters-in-laws, nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held 4-7 PM Friday and 1 PM until 2 PM on Saturday at Greco-Hertnick Funeral Home, 3219 Main Street, Weirton. Funeral services and a Liturgy of the Word are scheduled Saturday at 2 PM at Greco-Hertnick and will be conducted by Father Dennis R. Schuelkens. Interment will follow at Saint Paul Cemetery.
Larry's family wishes to thank the Hancock County Ambulance Service, Dr. Neil Khurana, the 8th floor staff at Weirton Medical Center and Father Schuelkens for the professional and spiritual care he received.
In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorial contributions may be made to the American Parkinson's Disease Association and to the St. Joseph the Worker Building Fund (Weirton). Share tributes and memories at www.grecohertnick .com.