News Summary
Joseph Ritchie Sr., the first Republican mayor of Newport News and a respected business figure, died at 95. His leadership led to significant economic developments, including the establishment of Jefferson Lab and the Oyster Point business park, shaping the city’s growth for decades. His contributions have left a lasting impact on the community, as highlighted by various local leaders. Ritchie’s dedication to public service and business innovation will be remembered fondly.
Newport News – Joseph Ritchie Sr., a deeply respected former mayor and influential business leader in Newport News, passed away on Sunday at the age of 95. Ritchie served as the city’s first Republican mayor for a decade, from July 1, 1976, to June 30, 1986, where he played a pivotal role during a significant period of growth for the area.
Ritchie’s contributions to the economic development of Newport News are often highlighted by local officials, including Florence Kingston, the city’s Development Director, who noted that Ritchie had a keen understanding of what businesses needed to thrive. Under his leadership, the city saw pivotal advancements, including the establishment of the Jefferson Lab and Canon Virginia manufacturing plant. Ritchie also championed the development of the Oyster Point business park, ensuring a robust economic environment in the area.
Furthermore, he was a key figure in the development of the City Center at Oyster Point, with his vision as one of the original investors beginning in 2000. Bobby King, president of Harvey Lindsay Commercial Real Estate, expressed that Ritchie was a man of his word whose passing represents a significant loss for the Virginia Peninsula community.
In 1973, Ritchie co-founded Ritchie-Curbow Construction in partnership with Gary Curbow, launching the company with an initial investment of $10,000. The firm was known for pioneering the design-build option in construction and completed various notable projects, including the Boo Williams Sportsplex and the parking garage at Newport News-Williamsburg Airport. Ritchie retired from Ritchie-Curbow in 2005 but continued to remain engaged in the company’s development activities.
Joseph Ritchie Sr. is survived by his wife, Kathleen, a daughter, two grandchildren, and a great-granddaughter. His son, Joey Ritchie Jr., emphasized his father’s perseverance and ambition, traits that he instilled in his family. Ritchie Sr. was particularly known for his strong negotiation skills and believed in negotiating outcomes rather than accepting what one deserved. His approach to both business and personal interactions earned him a reputation as a compassionate and modest leader, often providing support to the community in quiet ways.
Community leaders and friends, including civil rights activist Andrew Shannon, highlighted Ritchie Sr.’s kindness and his ability to prioritize his community’s needs over political agendas. State Delegate Chad Green also remembered him as a larger-than-life figure who cultivated respect and admiration among his peers.
Ritchie was born, raised, and educated in Newport News, attending local schools before receiving training at various institutions. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War for two years, a period that shaped his values and work ethic. After his military service, Ritchie worked in piping design at Newport News Shipbuilding and in project engineering at Dow Chemical before founding his construction company.
Newport News Mayor Phillip Jones acknowledged the lasting impact that Ritchie Sr. has had on the city and its residents, emphasizing that his contributions will be remembered for generations. In tribute to Ritchie, the Mayor has ordered that all city flags be flown at half-staff through August 27.
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- Pilot Online: Joseph Ritchie Sr. Obituary
- Wikipedia: Newport News, Virginia
- Pilot Online: Fed Minutes-July Meeting
- Google Search: Joseph Ritchie Virginia
- Daily Press: US Producer Prices Surge
- Google Scholar: Joseph Ritchie
- Virginia Business: Daily Press Office Closure
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Newport News
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