GILFORD --- Robert Ritchie, 89, of Gilford, NH, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, March 29, 2026.
He was born on March 1, 1937, in Manchester, CT, the son of the late Eva and William Ritchie, Sr.
Robert was married to the late Sandra Ritchie. They made their home in East Hampton, CT, where they raised their three children.
Bob joined the Marines in 1955 until 1963. He then made a career at United Technologies Research Center, East Hartford, CT, as a Lead Technician. He shared many stories of his adventures and travels.
Bob was a loyal member of the Anchor Lodge NO. 112, AF & AM Masonic Fraternity for 53 years and was a member of the Washington Social Club in Manchester. He played drums in the Manchester Pipe Band.
Upon his retirement, he moved to Gilford, NH, where he and his love, the late Eleanor Prior, made their home. Although you wouldn’t see them there often as they were cruising around in his Corvette, always on the go traveling. They spent many winters in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He met and made friends with everyone along the way. Some people knew him as Bob, most of his NH buddies called him ZUUUUM, or those at The Farm at Carter Hill in Connecticut referred to him as NH Bob. He enjoyed staying there visiting with family and friends, new and old.
He leaves his children: Kevin and his wife Kathy, Karen and her husband John Giza, and Keith and his wife Lelena; two grandchildren, Alessandra Giza and Evan Giza; brother E. Roger Ritchie; and many nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his good friends Mike Valovanie and Tom Lawton. In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his wife Sandra Ritchie and brother William Ritchie, Jr.
Special thanks to Ellie’s daughter Patti Prior for taking care of him when he became ill.
There are no calling hours or services.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/603Cremations.com, Laconia, NH is assisting the family with the arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial go to www.wilkinsonbeane.com.