John Gavin Ritchie

John Gavin Ritchie, age 88, of Tarpon Springs, Florida passed away on Thursday, March 16, 2023 surrounded by family and friends. John was born December 24, 1934 in Battle Creek, Michigan to Harold Gavin “June” Ritchie and Leita M. (Downer) Ritchie. He married his high school sweetheart Joanne Mildred (Moser) Ritchie December 20, 1957 in Battle Creek, Michigan.

He was a 1955 graduate of Michigan State University where he earned his Bachelor's degree majoring in Psychology, Math and Physics. In 1957 he graduated from Western Michigan, with a Master's degree in Engineering. John was a member of the United States Air Force Reserves where he was a Pilot along with being a Chaplin for his division. John started his career as a Stockbroker for First of Michigan and then went on to work for Libby-Owen-Ford in Toledo, Ohio. In 1967 John & Joanne moved to Florida and John took a position with Honeywell Aerospace in Clearwater, Florida.

In 1977 John retired from corporate life which allowed him to travel the world with the love of his life, Joanne. John & Joanne had several business ventures including investing in trailer parks, apartment complexes and a small motel called Windley Key Resort in Islamorada, Florida.

Some of John's favorite trips included China because it was so different, Switzerland because of it's beauty and going on safari in Africa. John enjoyed deep sea fishing, scuba diving in Cozumel and boating in Islamorada, Florida. He was an avid skier, downhill racer and thrill seeker. A highlight was helicopter skiing in Canada. John only had one speed - Fast! He was also a member of the Cypress Run Golf course for over 30 years.

John was an honorable man, devoted husband, who deeply loved his family and enjoyed his life. He was predeceased by his brother Jack Chadwick Ritchie 1918, and three sisters Joyce Hemken 1990, Josephine Yeager 1999, and Jean Forward 2006.

He is survived by his wife of over 65 years, Joanne Ritchie of Tarpon Springs, FL;his only daughter Julee Marie Ritchie-Sabadosh and her husband Stephen Sabadosh of Clearwater, FL; and two grandkids Stephen Jon Ritchie Sabadosh of Clearwater, FL and Laurel Marie Sabadosh of Nashville, TN. Private Family Celebration of Life to be held in Islamorada, Florida.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.neptunesociety.com/location/tampa-cremation for the Ritchie family.