Lawrence W Ritchie
Passed away suddenly following a brief illness on June 23, 2025 at his home in Fairport, NY, at the age of 87. Leaving behind his wife of 68 years Joyce (Crago) Ritchie, 2 daughters Julie Grace and Catherine Ritchie with son-in-law Willam Austin. Preceded by his parents Lawrence and Doris Ritchie, sister Barbara (Robert) Fulton, leaving a brother Carl (Barbara) Ritchie, three grandchildren Kevin, Connor and Christopher Grace, their father Patrick Grace, nephew Mark Ritchie and niece Cheryl Ann Ritchie.
Larry was born August 29, 1937 in Ogdensburg, New York and lived many of his early years in Watertown, New York before moving to Webster, New York and then to Fairport, New York in the late 1960’s.
Larry was employed at the Xerox Corporation for almost thirty years as a tool and die maker and then as an engineer. He was one of the key engineers involved in the manufacture of frames for the 5090-copying machine. Larry made lifelong friends at his work and participated in many of the recreational and social activities there. Upon retirement from Xerox Larry remained very active. He and his friends built his & Joyce’s camp in the Adirondacks where they spent much time. He gave his time freely to family and friends, always there to help fix or build whatever that was needed. To his grandsons he was their ‘Poppa’ and he loved them dearly. Always active in their lives and various activities such as Cub and Boy Scouting, going on adventures such as white water rafting trips on the upper Hudson River and lending a hand in building Pinewood Derby cars for the big race.
He loved the outdoors even if it was just admiring it but also loved hunting, fishing, skiing, golfing, camping, canoeing, hiking and mountain climbing. He once had a hole-in-one. He was proud to have completed the last of his Adirondacks 46 high peaks climbs at the age of 79 with his grandson, Chris. Larry was a fantastic skier and taught at Dry Hill than Bristol Mountain for many years. He and Joyce and friends would go on ski trips out West and even to Europe. He led many canoeing, camping and mountain climbing trips in the Adirondacks and loved teaching inexperienced friends and family the ways of the woods.
Larry was a very talented wood worker with an amazing workshop in his basement. He made beautiful furniture, children’s toys and many other things.
Larry would not want us to remember him with a tear in our eyes but with a smile on our face. If you knew him really well, he was what was considered a legend in his own time.
Calling hours will be from 4 pm to 7 pm Tuesday July 8th at Richard H. Keenan Funeral Home, 7501 Pittsford Palmyra Rd, Fairport, New York with a memorial service immediately following.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.
13 responses to “Ritchie, Lawrence W.”
You have been a good friend for more than 50 yrs. You will be truly missed.
Your friend Dennis.
Julie, family, Pat
So sorry for your loss. May he rest in peace. 🙏
My love of the Adirondacks is because of Larry…so many years of memories at the Ritchie camp. Thank you, I will always cherish and plant trees where ever I live! Carie-An Brutsman (Denis Brutsman’s Daughter)
Fifty Four years – thanks for the journey
Larry was the best friend a man could hope for. We did many projects together, and he was always ready if you needed help. Losing him is like losing a brother.
Larry and Paul were the glue that keeped us all together after Xerox..We all got older and it become harder for some to connect.
We should never forget what a joy it was to work together thru all those years.
Loseing any one of you is hard.
When I think back to my childhood, Larry was such a big part of it. So many memories. Camping every summer in Algonquin, and teaching me to cross country ski. I have a very vivid memory of Larry the day we were out for a ski (x-country) and to my surprise we came to a hill! I panicked, petrified to go down … I was told this whole x-country thing was FLAT. But Larry was my hero that day when he held on to me like a teddy bear hug from behind, my skies inside of his, and we went down together. He was the sweetest, kindest man, so soft spoken and gentle. Thanks for being a constant presence throughout my childhood Larry. You will be missed.
Such a wonderful man. Amazing husband, father and friend. He always made you feel at ease and welcome. He will be missed. I was honoured to know him. RIP
The FHS Class of ‘77 sends its deepest sympathies to our classmate, Julie, on the passing of her father. We will keep you and your family in our hearts.
lorry and I met as co-workers 57 years ago, became friends and continued on Lifes journey not knowung what lies ahead. Our destination?
As Larry would Say is “Just over the next hill”!
Journeys End! You will be missed
Larry was one of the engineers I sold tooling to at Xerox. I always looked forward to him challenging me with his next project.
Great guy, will always be missed.
Lou Rossetti
We were so saddened to hear about Larry. Thinking of you and your family during this difficult time
Larry was the starter in our golf league and imparted invaluable advice to insure full enjoyment of our round.