David B. Ritchie

David B. Ritchie, 77, Businessman, of Huntingtown, MD, who built everything from boats to garages to houses during 56 years of self-employment, died February 3, 2012 at the Shock Trauma Center, University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore, MD. He passed away peacefully surrounded by family. David was born in Washington, DC in 1934 to Dr. William Suit Ritchie and Mildred Ryon Ritchie; he grew up in Ritchie, MD, now part of present day District Heights, MD. In 1946 his family purchased a beach cottage in Calvert County where he and his sisters spent many memorable summers. During these early summers he developed an avid interest in boating, crabbing, and fishing which he enjoyed throughout his lifetime.\n \nBefore graduating from Eastern High School in Washington, DC in 1952, he met his future wife, Esther Ann, who was enrolled in the same Spanish class. They married in 1955, the same year David began building boats in Anne Arundel County, MD. The boat business thrived for over 20 years during which time a marina-campground was purchased in Calvert County. While operating the marina full time David turned his boat building skills to home building and constructed his first house in 1980. Decades of building houses and garages followed. David never retired from the construction business.\n \nHe is survived by his bride of 56 years, Esther Ann, daughter, Cheryl Ritchie, of Chesapeake Beach, MD, son, Mark Ritchie, daughter-in-law, Kristin Ritchie, of Chesapeake Beach, MD, granddaughter, Jordan Ritchie, and grandsons, Austin Ritchie and Luke Ritchie. He is also survived by sisters Barbara Crescenze, Nanette Stoffan, and Patricia Oliver and many nephews and nieces as well as a special beagle named Sport.\n \nFollowing his wishes, his remains were cremated. A memorial gathering with friends and family will be held at Chesapeake Church, 6201 Solomons Island Road, Huntingtown, MD 20639 on March 31, 2012 from 10:00a.m. until time of service at 11:00a.m. In lieu of flowers, attendees will be encouraged to share memories about David’s life and legacy. Memorial announcements will be communicated via Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/In-Memory-of-David-Grandpop-Ritchie/223785951048945 To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of David B. Ritchie please visit our Sympathy Store.