Wilfred N. Ritchie, Sr.

Wilfred N. Ritchie, Sr. passed away suddenly on March 17, 2014. Bill was born in Stamford, CT on December 27, 1931, to Wilfred J. and Alice (Burr) Ritchie. Bill served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He received the Purple Heart, Distinguished Unit Emblem, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal with four bronze service stars, United Nations Service Medal and Combat Infantryman's Badge. He was a member of the Korean War Veterans Assoc., Beaufort, SC, life member of the VFW, DAV, and MOPH, all in Stamford, CT and the Eastern Amputee Golf Assoc. He was a member of Sacred Heart Church in Stamford, NY. On April 4, 1953 Bill married his best friend, the love of his life, Marilyn Seaman. He was a Springdale resident for over 50 years. Bill worked as a Mechanical Designer for Machlett Labs, Dorr Oliver Corp., and Wendon Co. Bill enjoyed playing golf and was an avid Yankee fan. He was a Cub Scout Master, then Boy Scout Master of Troop 47 for ten years. He was proud to have presented five scouts with the Eagle Scout Award. He was given the Bronze Pelican, the Catholic Troop Leaders' Award. After he retired, he and Marilyn divided their time between the Northern Catskills, NY and Bluffton, SC. Bill is survived by his wife and their children, Wilfred (Bill) Jr. (Donna), Ronald (Denise), Greg (Debra), Terry (Leslie), Carolyn (Henry) Cioccari, Kathryn (Richard) Santarsiero, Laurelyn (Kevin) Gordon, and Sharyn (John) Beddington, 19 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren, brothers, Bruce (Eileen), Wayne (Ginnebeth) and Neil (Sarah), sister-in-law, Carol Seaman, a nephew, Wayne, Jr. (Jennifer) and niece, Tara Ritchie, his aunts, Mildred Scalero and Mildred Ritchie, and many cousins. He was predeceased by grandchildren, Alison and Eric James Ritchie. There will be a graveside service with military honors at St. John's Cemetery in Darien, CT at the convenience of the family. Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675. woundedwarriorproject.org Sauls Funeral Home of Bluffton, SC is assisting the family with arrangements. There will be a graveside service with military honors at St. Johnâ