| David Barry Ritchie |
David B. Ritchie, 77, Businessman, of Huntingtown, MD, who built everything from
boats to garages to houses during 56 years of self-employment, died February 3, 2012
at the Shock Trauma Center, University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore, MD.
He passed away peacefully surrounded by family. David was born in Washington, DC
in 1934 to Dr. William Suit Ritchie and Mildred Ryon Ritchie; he grew up in Ritchie, MD,
now part of present day District Heights, MD.
In 1946 his family purchased a beach cottage in Calvert County where he and his
sisters spent many memorable summers. During these early summers he developed
an avid interest in boating, crabbing, and fishing which he enjoyed throughout his
lifetime.
Before graduating from Eastern High School in Washington, DC in 1952, he met
his future wife, Esther Ann, who was enrolled in the same Spanish class. They married
in 1955, the same year David began building boats in Anne Arundel County, MD. The
boat business thrived for over 20 years during which time a marina-campground was
purchased in Calvert County. While operating the marina full time David turned his boat
building skills to home building and constructed his first house in 1980. Decades of
building houses and garages followed. David never retired from the construction
business.
He is survived by his bride of 56 years, Esther Ann, daughter, Cheryl Ritchie, of
Chesapeake Beach, MD, son, Mark Ritchie, daughter-in-law, Kristin Ritchie, of
Chesapeake Beach, MD, granddaughter, Jordan Ritchie, and grandsons, Austin
Ritchie and Luke Ritchie. He is also survived by sisters Barbara Crescenze, Nanette
Stoffan, and Patricia Oliver and many nephews and nieces as well as a special beagle
named Sport.
Following his wishes, his remains were cremated. A memorial service will be held at
Chesapeake Church, 6201 Solomons Island Road, Huntingtown, MD 20639 on March
31, 2012 at 10:00 am.
In lieu of flowers, attendees will be encouraged to share memories about David’s life
and legacy. Memorial announcements will be communicated via Facebook at https:
//www.facebook.com/pages/In-Memory-of-David-Grandpop-Ritchie/223785951048945
____________________________________
Don Kleinhen, NECA President 2/6/12
We are all very saddened by the passing of David but we also celebrate his life and his
accomplishments. David was an accomplished craftsman and a life and his
accomplishments. David was an accomplished craftsman and a successful
entrepreneur. David loved the water and building things. I will always remember one of
the first boats David built it had multi-colored circles painted on the sides and he called
it bubbles. He later owned Breezy Point, which included the marina, beach, boat
rentals, snack bar, and bath house. Boat building was in his blood, he founded the
Broadwater boat company in Mayo Maryland 1956 – 1978. Dave’s building
enthusiasm later extended to his establishment of Homes America Corporation in
Huntingtown.
We send out condolences to Dave’s wife Esther Ann, his children Cheryl and Mark and
the rest of the Ritchie family.
| David Barry Ritchie |
