Robert James Ritchie, Sr.

Robert J. Ritchie of Magnolia, NJ, who spent most of his career as a South Jersey newspaperman, died August 29th at age 91. Born in Philadelphia of Irish immigrant parents, Robert and Elizabeth (nee Johnston), he attended Philadelphia public schools, graduating from North East High School in 1945. He then served two years in the Army before attending Temple University where he earned a degree in journalism. He worked for two smaller newspapers, the Penns Grove Record in Salem County, and the Pottstown Mercury in Montgomery County, PA, before going to the Courier-Post in Camden where he remained for 17 years, the last five as managing editor. He was then named editor of the Toms River Observer, in Ocean County and subsequently served as its publisher for five years before retiring in 1986. During retirement, Mr. Ritchie practiced drawing and painting as a hobby. He had several one-man shows at the Camden Country Library in Voorhees, and participated in many summer street fairs. He also taught drawing and painting in classes sponsored by Boscov’s and the Cinnaminson Adult Evening School. His paintings won a number of awards in the annual contests conducted by the Camden Country Cultural and Heritage commission. Bob was predeceased by his wife of 63 years, Hermine (nee Heidinger) in 2008. Survivors include his daughter, Pamela Henry (Dennis) of Springfield, PA; son Dr. Robert J. Jr. (Dr. Helen) of Eldersburg MD, and son Philip J. (Dr. Dawn Hinspeter) of Hammonton, NJ. He is also survived by eight grandchildren: Denny Henry of Hyattsville MD, Eric Ritchie of New York City, Patrick, Danielle, and Kirk Ritchie of Eldersburg, MD, Philip, Robert and Mark Ritchie, of Hammonton, and two great grandchildren Caden and Ciarra Snyder of Hershey PA. A graveside memorial service will begin at 11:00 AM on December 1st at Rosedale Memorial Park, 3850 Richlieu Rd., Bensalem PA. Memorial Donations may be made to the USO Department WS, PO Box 96860 Washington, DC 20090-6860; Magnolia United Methodist Church 300 East Evesham Ave, Magnolia, NJ 08049, or the Alzheimer’s Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011.