Obituary of William David Ritchie

Mendham - William David Ritchie died on Friday, November 13, 2009 at home after a short illness. He was 87. Born in Wellsville, NY to the late Kenneth and Ethel (Farley) Ritchie on December 4, 1921, he was a resident of Rahway before moving to Mendham in 1963. He was a 1948 graduate of Rutgers University in New Brunswick, earning a bachelor's degree. He was a veteran of World War II serving in 1943, until retiring as a Captain from the United States Army Air Force Reserve in 1982. During his tour of duty, he was a helicopter and single engine airplane pilot. Mr. Ritchie was the Director of Golf Courses for the Morris County Park Commission for 43 years until his retirement in 1987. He had also been employed as the Superintendent of the Rahway Cemetery. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Mendham for many years, serving on the Board of Deacons and as an Elder of the Church. Mr. Ritchie is survived by his wife of 64 years, Cortez (Green), his son W. David Ritchie and his wife Maxine of Colorado, his daughter Ellen Ritchie of East Millstone, NJ, and two grandsons, Andrew and Alexander Burdulia. Arrangements are by the Bailey Funeral Home, 8 Hilltop Road, Mendham, NJ 07945 (973) 543-4720 www.baileyfuneralhomes.com Visitation will be at the funeral home on Tuesday, November 17, 2009 from 2:00 to 4:00 & 7-9pm. Funeral services will be at the First Presbyterian Church of Mendham, 20 Hilltop Road, Mendham, NJ 07945 on Wednesday, November 18, 2009 at 11:00 AM with the Rev. Robert Heppenstall officiating. Interment will be private at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Mr. Ritchie to a charity of your choice.