John C. Ritchey, age 44, of Pickerington, died Thursday, March 7, 2019 at UPMC Shadyside in Pittsburgh from occupational cancer. Born August 2, 1974 in Columbus, he was a 1992 graduate of Reynoldsburg High School and attended Columbus State. He was a firefighter paramedic with the Columbus Division of Fire, Engine 15, and was a member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish.
Firefighter John Ritchey joined the Division February 11, 2008. He was assigned to station 2 at Fulton Street and Fourth Street after graduating from the fire academy. He transferred to a position on Engine 15 at Livingston Avenue and Rhoads Avenue in March of 2016, where he remained until retiring on March 6, 2019.
He is survived by his wife of exactly 22 1/2 years, Angie Ritchey; children, Justin and Alyssa; parents, Jay and Joanie Ritchey; sister, Angie (Jamie) Watson, and their daughters, Ashley and Amber; brother, Mark Ritchey; sister, Maria Ritchey; father- and mother-in-law, Bill and Carolyn Johnson; brother-in-law, David Johnson; special friends, Steve and Allison Riley, and Jay and Stephanie Chipps; goddaughters, Makenna Riley and Erin Mary Winchell; godson, Lane Riley.
Friends may visit 5-8 pm Monday at the DWAYNE R. SPENCE FUNERAL HOME, 550 Hill Road N. (St. Rt. #256), Pickerington. A Vigil Service will be held at 7:45 pm. Funeral Mass will be 10:30 am Tuesday at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, 600 Hill Road N., with Fr. James Klima and Fr. Leo Connolly, Celebrants. Interment after at St. Joseph Cemetery.
Friends may donate to a trust fund for Justin and Alyssa in care of the funeral home.