Ret. Wilmington Police Officer John A. Ritchie Dead At 97

WILMINGTON, MA — Retired Wilmington Police Detective John A. Ritchie passed away Sunday, the department said Wednesday. Ritchie, a World War II army veteran, spent over 30 years with the department before retiring in 1987, according to his obituary.

Ritchie also spent many years on the coaching staff of the Wilmington High School football team, including as head coach in the 1970s.

According to the obituary, "Family and friends will gather at the Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington, on Friday, October 18th at 10:00 a.m. followed by a Funeral Home Service at 11:00 a.m. Interment with Military Honors will follow In Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington. Visiting Hours will be held at the Funeral Home on Thursday, October 17th from 3:00-7:00 p.m."

Ritchie's full obituary is available here.

The Wilmington PD regrets to announce the passing of Retired Detective John Ritchie. Detective Ritchie faithfully served as a #WilmingtonMA Police Officer and Detective from 1956-1987. We send our deepest condolences to the family of Detective Ritchie. https://t.co/jAkarMK7dc pic.twitter.com/yZjY9aTXFh
— Wilmington MA Police (@WilmingtonMAPD) October 16, 2019