John A. Ritchie

                                                              1954 - 2025

John A. Ritchie, 71, of Rome, NY, passed away on Friday, November 7, 2025 at Wynn Hospital in Utica, NY.  He was born on March 28, 1954 in Rome, NY, son of the late Anthony “Bugs” P., and Lillian J. Farino Ritchie.

John graduated from Rome Free Academy and attended Mohawk Valley Community College and Herkimer County Community College. John was a passionate and dedicated athlete, excelling in baseball, football, and wrestling, sports that reflected his competitive spirit, discipline, and love for teamwork. That same love for sports carried into adulthood, where he coached Little League baseball and inspired young players with his patience, encouragement, and steady presence. He was a member of the band, Night Train, where he enthusiastically played drums. In his free time, he found joy in strumming his guitar and staying active through weightlifting. Beyond his athletic and musical pursuits, he explored the world of modeling, embracing the opportunity with his characteristic charm and confidence.

A devout Catholic, he was a proud parishioner of St. John the Baptist Church in Rome, NY, where he faithfully attended weekly Mass. He also participated in Eucharistic Adoration, drawing strength and peace from his deep-rooted faith and quiet moments of reflection.

Throughout his life, John held a variety of jobs—including positions at Rome Cable, Fleet Bank, as a dispatcher for the Rome Police Department, and later with Mohawk Valley Health Systems in medical transport—each reflecting his strong work ethic, reliability, and commitment to serving others.

John is survived by his son, John M. Ritchie of Utica, NY; his nephew, Anthony J. Destito of Rome, NY, and many cousins. He is also remembered by Carol A. Ritchie of Utica, NY. and Marge Crupi of Syracuse, NY.  In addition to his parents, John was predeceased by his sister, Josephine A. Ritchie of Rome, NY, and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to the staff of Wynn Hospital and The Grand of Utica, as well as to Dr. Scott Brehaut, Dr. Clifford Soults, Dr. Daniel Welchons, Dr. Emile Wassel, Dr. Gerry Love, Dr. H.J. Obeid, Dr. Pedro Delpino, Dr. Waleed Albert, Dr. Lev Goldiner, and Dr. Nirav Shah, among other providers and their staff for their compassionate care and support. Special thanks are also extended to Father Phillip Hearn, Father Amedeo Guida, Donald Darling, and Mickey Consilio for their kindness and compassion during this difficult time.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, November 15, 2025 at 11:00 a.m., at St. John the Baptist Church, 210 E. Dominick St., Rome. Burial will be in St. John the Baptist Cemetery.  Relatives and friends may call at the Nicholas J. Bush Funeral Home, Inc., 7751 Merrick Rd., Rome, NY, 13440 on Friday, November 14, 2025 from 4-7 p.m.

To offer online condolences, please visit www.njbushfuneralhome.com