Dan Ritchey’s hard work, persistence and integrity brought him great fulfillment over a long life. He cared passionately about his family, extended family, employees, neighbors and all the people in his beloved town of Galion. Dan put others first. Daniel R. “Dan” Ritchey, 90, of Galion passed away Monday, July 3, 2017 at Signature HealthCARE in Galion surrounded by his family.
He was born March 14, 1927 in Utica, Ohio and was the son of Charles and Mary (Ritchey) Ritchey. They moved to Galion when Dan was four years old. Dan is survived by his wife of 69 years, Ruth (Ricker) Ritchey whom he married on January 18, 1948.
He proudly served his country during World War II in the US Navy and was a life member of the USS Alabama Crew Association. Dan worked at Galion Ice and Fuel, the Ritchey Food Bank and the Galion Inquirer as a reporter and photographer. In 1960 he opened Photorama in Galion and Crestline and operated the studio until 1983. Dan served as President and Director of the Galion Chamber of Commerce from 1986, retiring in 1997. Dan helped many people find jobs, start businesses, and get assistance when they needed it. Upon retirement, he and Ruth were able to travel extensively – always a love of theirs – and to spend many winter months in Isla del Sol, FL, near St. Petersburg.
Dan loved to design and build things, including interesting features at his home and in his photo studio. He enjoyed reading mysteries throughout his life. He was someone who was on good terms with almost everyone so he could pull people together to get community projects done. He loved such projects.
He attended the First United Church of Christ in Galion and was a member of the Lincoln Highway Organization, Galion Historical Society, Galion Community Theatre, Galion Community Center – YMCA and the American Legion Scarbrough Post 243 of Galion, Pandora Dance Club and founding member of the Galion Area Betterment Commission.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by sons Dan Ritchey and David (Barb) Ritchey all of Albuquerque, New Mexico; daughters Lee Anne (Terry) Shifley of Herndon, Virginia and Ruth Anne (Jamie) Deppen of Ashland, Ohio; five grandchildren Hal Shifley, Krisanna Deppen, Joseph (Hattie) Deppen, Anthony (Alex) Deppen and Jena Ritchey; great-grandchild Louiza Deppen and two half-sisters Madonna Williams and Paulette (Michael) Boehm.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a granddaughter Annie Shifley; two sisters Lena Rensch and Susan Satonik, two brothers Raymond and Fred Ritchey and step-mother Catharine Ritchey.
The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. to noon Friday, July 21, 2017 at First United Church of Christ, 248 Harding Way West, Galion, Ohio 44833 where memorial service will be held from noon to 1 p.m. with a lunch to follow.
Memorial contributions may be made to HomeCare Matters Home Health Care and First United Church of Christ of Galion in care of the funeral home.
Richardson Davis Chapel of Snyder Funeral Homes in Galion is honored to serve the family of Dan Ritchey, and condolences may be made to them at www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com.
