Obituaries

Joseph Carlton Ritchie, 95, passed away Sunday, August 17, in Williamsburg, VA. He
was born March 7, 1930, to John Reynolds and Rose Agnes Ritchie in Newport News,
VA.

He is survived by his loving wife of 36 years Kathleen Hillquist Ritchie, and their beloved
dog, Gabby. He is preceded in death by three brothers: John Allen Ritchie, Robert
Reynolds Ritchie, and David James Ritchie; and two sisters, Charlotte Ritchie Parrish
and Nancy Lee Ritchie. He is survived by his son Joseph C. Ritchie, Jr. of Yorktown,
and his wife Joyce Lutz Ritchie; daughter Joanne Ritchie Davis of White Stone and her
husband Hubbard Ashburn Davis; two grandchildren, Joseph C. Ritchie, III and Kelley Ritchie
Giannotti; and great-granddaughter, Brooke Diane Giannotti.

Joe attended John W. Daniel Elementary School, Newport News High School, the
NASA Apprentice School, Newport News Shipbuilding Design School, University of
Virginia Extension, and Armed Forces Extension School.

He served two years active duty in the United States Marine Corps from October 1951
to October 1953 during the Korean War. Joe was employed at Newport News
Shipbuilding in piping design and at Dow Chemical in project engineering before
entering the business world in 1973 with Gary D. Curbow, forming Ritchie-Curbow
Construction Company.

Over the years, Joe became involved in a variety of development projects. Joe was a
charter member of the Virginia Company Bank and served on its board of directors,
executive committee, and loan committee. He also served on the board of the Girls
Club, Mary Immaculate Hospital Board, the Virginia Peninsula Economic Development
Board (Executive Committee), the Newport News-Williamsburg International Airport
Board, the Virginia Aviation Board, and the Signet Bank Board.

Joe entered the political arena winning election to the Newport News City Council in
1970 and again in 1976, 1980, and 1984. In 1976, Council voted him to the position of
Mayor, a role in which he served honorably for 10 years.

He was a prime mover in the initiation of City Center at Oyster Point in 2000 and was
known for his strong support for economic development, including the growth and
success of the Oyster Point Office Park. Joe was instrumental in the City being selected
for the Army Air Forces Exchange Service 1 million square foot distribution center at
Oakland industrial Park. He also played a key role in bringing Cannon Virginia to
Newport News.

Joe was the first Republican ever elected to the Newport News City Council and the first
Republican mayor of the City. His decade of leadership oversaw major infrastructure
enhancements that laid the groundwork for future growth. In February 2025, he was
among five former mayors honored at the State of the City address – a testament to the
lasting impact of his service.

Joe ultimately left the construction business to his son, Joey, and intensified his
involvement in development. The initial development of City Center at Oyster Point was
initiated by Joe during the tenure of City Manager Ed Maroney. Joe remained on the
board of the investment group from its beginning until City Center was sold in July 2016.
He and his associates then acquired City Center in July 2016, with Joe managing the
property until it was sold again in December 2021.

Throughout his life, Joe enjoyed golfing, boating, and traveling the world. He was a
proud member of the James River Country Club, the Kingsmill Golf Association, and the
Hilton Head Golf Club.

He will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to family, his service to the City of
Newport News, and his love of life.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, August 26th, from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at the Peninsula Funeral Home. A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, August 27th at 11:00 a.m. at Hidenwood Presbyterian Church, with a Celebration of Life to follow at James River Country Club.