Robert W Ritchie

Message from AL TORIZZO

please respond, 8608067604, we taught side by side drafting adjacent rooms for ten years, you get to know Bob, the big buffalo, in that endearing time. Damn, i am honored to have crossed paths, one of a kind does not come close, you know, he was a man of all heart, more than most will ever come to know, we had some truly antimated fun, I can share some endearing stories, thank's for being you, for helping me learn how to teach, for brightening my days

Message from Eric Beebe

Sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are wih your family.

Message from Len Mirto

Grace I was heartbroken to learn of Bob's passing. Having only met him twice I still felt a warm caring feeling coming from him. He was a real gentleman and had a great personality and quick sense of humor (which was not lost on me). We had a great time telling jokes, talking sports and getting silly together. I was made to feel very at ease in his presents. You two made "The Ideal Couple". Carolyn and I talked about how happy we were for you to find such a wonderful guy. We also told him how lucky he was to find you. Having lost Carolyn I know what you are going through and I hurt for you. Nothing I can say will help in any way, but I know your sorrow and I am praying for you. I pray that this sorrow will pass quickly and you can start to remember all the beautiful times you had together. The world has lost a Great Man but God got Himself a tremendous New Angel. Working for The ECAC today I could not get away and I intended on attending the funeral tomorrow not knowing that it is a private affair. When things start settling down please call me so that I can give you my condolences in person and catch up over lunch. You were a great neighbor and continue to be a good friend and I want and need you in my life. May God bless and keep you through this time of trial and speed up your recovery. Len

Message from Susan Olson

Oh Grace, I'm so, so sorry. You were such a lovely, lovely couple. I'm so glad you married, so glad to have met Bob, so glad for the beautiful life you shared, and so, so sad it was cut short.

A candle was lit by Kevin & Debra Miles on January 12, 2018 11:08 AM

Message from Steve Kane

Ritch was like a generational blender who mixed down home Bristol cross country and track and field lore with a coach’s guidance, a positive attitude and inspiration, and we put that in our tank and ran!

Cross Country Fall of ’78 & ‘79

A candle was lit by Steve Kane on January 12, 2018 10:09 AM

Message from Paul Varhol

To the Ritchie Family,
Bob always extended his hand, smile and good conversation while I was growing up in Bristol. I ran for BEHS cross-country and going against BCHS he always cheered me on. People would ask him why you rooting for BEHS? I heard him say, that's my cousin! Thank you for being a positive person in our family. Please give a hug to Meme, Mom and Margaret. You will always be in my thoughts. Peace to you and your family.

Message from Judy and Bob Siedzik

Joe and Palmer, our sincere sympathy in the loss of your brother Bob.

A candle was lit by Elizabeth & Christian Reilly on January 10, 2018 1:38 PM

A candle was lit by Pamela Palmer Anderson on January 10, 2018 12:39 PM

A candle was lit by Pat and Jim DeSanto on January 10, 2018 11:40 AM

A candle was lit by Jen Rompre on January 9, 2018 10:07 PM

Message from Bash (Steve Bashaw)

Ritch!
Can't believe it. GREAT guy! Made every student feel important- and believe me, there were some characters in our classes in the late 80s. lol Ritch always had a kind word and would share laughs. He took interest in our sports careers and families. Most importantly for me, he inspired me to go into teaching myself. I've been teaching PE in Bristol now for almost 20 years and I owe at least some of that to him. ...............Quick story. I remember sub teaching before I got my certification. I worked with Ritch at MBMS a couple times. Not only did he come in and help set up for me...he would tell the kids stories of me and the students from my era that had them scared to death. Hysterical! He told them "these were some dudes you didn't wanna mess with". Needless to say the students were very well behaved after that. lol Anyway, the last time I saw Ritch was one of those times I was subbing. He came to me with an old photo album of one of our class trips to Sturbridge Village circa 1989. If you knew these crazy students he took on that trip you'd think Ritch was a SAINT! Rich knew how to reach all of his students. I still have that photo album and will always remember what a great all-around person he was. I hope my students will remember me the same way. I'll never forget him.

Message from Steve Bashaw

RITCH! Too many memories to post. Ritch was my favorite teacher. Had many classes with him at BCHS in the late 80s. He made every student feel important. He was absolutely hilarious. He took interest in our sports careers and families. Most importantly for me- he was someone that inspired me to go into teaching myself. I've been teaching PE in Bristol now for almost 20 years and I owe at least some of it to him.

Message from Stephen Venturo Sr

To the Family of Bob (Mr. Ritchie) I Am shocked to hear of the passing of one of My Favorite Teachers and Friend Bob May it comfort You in this difficult time that Your Husband, Brother Uncle & Friend was a very inspirational part of My growing up years as a teenager & young adult to reach for the stars because they are attainable if You put Your mind and Your determination higher than You think You can. with Sincere & Deepest Sympathy, Bobs Student class of '76and Friend,Stevie Venturo

A candle was lit by Stevie Venturo & Family on January 9, 2018 2:23 PM

Message from Claudia Kruse Dick

Always a shock when a loved one dies, to reconcile is such a difficult path, but grateful that you have family and friends around you there, and out here also. Praying for your strength and continuing peace. Will continue to support you however I can, with love and prayer.

Expression of Sympathy

A Gracious Lavender Basket was ordered on January 9, 2018

Message from Mary-Lynn & Tom Ogletree

Grace, so sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you and your families.

Message from Greg Ritchie

When I was young, I had friends on the block where Bob and I grew up that would always ask, “How come you have 4 Fathers?” This was because there were 4 adult males living in my house at the time. My brothers were 10, 13, and 16 years older than I. My family laughed at the question at the time thinking the question was ridiculous. As I’ve aged, I’ve come to realize that I truly did have 4 Fathers. Sure, only one biological Father, but 3 others that have taught and guided me over the years. Bob was one of those 4 Fathers. From slamming me in tic-tac-toe to challenging me to get my degree and teaching me something that is in short supply today, responsibility. Thanks Bobby for everything.

A candle was lit by Greg Ritchie on January 9, 2018 9:37 AM

A candle was lit by Dan Stange on January 9, 2018 8:49 AM

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I was very saddened when I learned of the passing of Mr. Ritchie. He had a great influence on me when I took his Drafting classes all throughout my high school years. I remember him always closing the classroom doors so we could listen to Sebastian in the morning on the radio without the other teachers catching wind of it. He had a way of making learning fun and not a chore and always came across as more of a friend than just a teacher. I learned a lot from him and I still use a lot of what I learned to this day. So, Thank You Mr. Ritchie you will always be remembered.

Message from Ron Piasecki

Joe, sorry to hear about the passing of your brother. My sincerest condolences.