Joseph Ritchey

Joseph Allen Ritchey, 70, of Chambersburg, passed away on Thursday, June 16, 2022 in his home surrounded by his family. Born January 26, 1952 in Defiance, PA, he was the son of the late Cloyd Joseph and Emily Arlene (Wright) Ritchey.

A 1970 graduate of Tussy Mountain High School in Saxton, PA, Joseph went on to honorably serve in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. He was then employed at Letterkenny Army Depot as an explosives operator until his retirement in the mid 1990’s. He was a lifetime member of the VFW Post 1599 in Chambersburg. The times he treasured the most were spent with his family. He also enjoyed visiting his home town, traveling to Raystown Lake, camping, swimming, playing tennis and biking.

Surviving is his wife of 38 years, Judy D. (Shaffer) Ritchey, whom he married on March 31, 1984; four children, Jaclyn Ritchey of Chambersburg, Jessica Coldsmith (husband Jason), of Shippensburg, Jan Dell’Acqua of Chambersburg, and Julie Gipe (husband James),of Chambersburg; seven grandchildren, Christian, Emily, Natalia, Rosie, Celina, Joseph and Alli; and siblings, Susie Wilkins (Steve), Sally Truax (Earl), Ann Ritchey, and Joy Mihm (Andrew). In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, Stephen Ritchey, one nephew, Jason Ritchey, and one niece, Chrissy Mihm.

A memorial service for Joseph will be held on Wednesday, June 22, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Pond Bank Community Church, 6555 Duffield Road, Chambersburg, PA where Pastor Jeremy Lehman and Jason Coldsmith will officiate. The family will receive friends in the church one hour prior to the service. Military honors rendered by members of the VFW Post 1599 Honor Guard will be held at approximately noon at the Pond Bank Community Center ballfield, located across the street from the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Charles Nitterhouse VFW Post 1599, 747 S 4th Street, Chambersburg, PA 17201.