Walter Ambrose Ritchey

Walter Ambrose Ritchey, 75, of Orrstown departed this life on the evening of Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the WellSpan Chambersburg Hospital.

He was born on October 19, 1950, in Chambersburg, son of the late Walter A. and Della E. (Harshbarger) Ritchey. Walter was a 1968 graduate of Chambersburg Area Senior High School. He served in the Army National Guard, enlisting on May 9, 1969 and honorably discharged on January 4, 1975.

Walter was a dedicated business owner, partnering with Bob Swartz to form S & R Construction, operating for forty-six years, from 1979 to 2025. He was respected as a hardworking man, true to his craft, and honest to his word in every way.

Walter was a member and past president of the Shippensburg Fish and Game Club, where he dedicated over forty years to the organization. He was also very passionate about the Hunt of a Lifetime Foundation. As an avid hunter himself (especially archery) he was proud to tell stories from all of his hunting experiences over the years. Walter was also a member of the Hub City Club and the Oscar M. Hykes American Legion Post #223, both of Shippensburg. Most importantly, Walter loved his family deeply. He enjoyed attending his children and then grandchildren’s sporting events and activities and it meant a great deal to him that everyone be together, especially during the holidays.

Walter is survived by his wife of forty-five years, Regina A. (Grippin) Ritchey, who he married on January 29, 1981, in Winchester, VA; three children, Curtis M. Ritchey and wife Amy of Orrstown, Michelle A. “Shelly” Holtry and husband Travis of Shippensburg, and Sarah E. Ritchey of Upper Strasburg; eight grandchildren, Emily M. Ritchey, Morgan A. Ritchey, and Katelyn A. Ritchey, Masen M. Besecker, Remington L. Besecker, Zoe A. Holtry, Chase A. Holtry, and Paytyne O. Noll; a niece, Angela H.; and his black lab, Izzy.

In addition to his parents, Walter was preceded in death by his first wife, Roberta A. (St. Cyr) Ritchey who died on May 4, 1979.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, May 14, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., in the Fogelsanger-Bricker Funeral Home & Crematorium, Inc., Shippensburg. Walter will be laid to rest during a private graveside service on Friday morning, in the Cumberland Valley Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Shippensburg Fish and Game at P.O. Box 27 Shippensburg, PA 17257.