WILLIAMSBURG—Joseph Carlton Ritchie, 95, passed away Sunday, August 17. He was born March 7, 1930, to John Reynolds and Rose Agnes Ritchie in Newport News.
He is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Kathleen Hillquist Ritchie, and their beloved dog, Gabby.
He is preceded in death by three brothers, John Allen Ritchie, Robert Reynolds Ritchie and David James Ritchie; and two sisters, Charlotte Ritchie Parrish and Nancy Lee Ritchie.
He also is survived by his son, Joseph C. Ritchie Jr. of Yorktown and his wife, Joyce Lutz Ritchie; daughter, Joanne Ritchie Davis of White Stone and her husband, Hubbard Ashburn Davis; two grandchildren, Joseph C. Ritchie III and Kelley Ritchie Giannotti; and great-granddaughter, Brooke Diane Giannotti.
Joe attended John W. Daniel Elementary School, Newport News High School, the NASA Apprentice School, Newport News Shipbuilding Design School, University of Virginia Extension and Armed Forces Extension School. He served two years active duty in the United States Marine Corps from October 1951 to October 1953 during the Korean War.
Joe was employed at Newport News Shipbuilding in piping design and at Dow Chemical in project engineering before entering the business world in 1973 with Gary D. Curbow, forming Ritchie-Curbow Construction Company.
Over the years, Joe became involved in a variety of development projects. Joe was a charter member of the Virginia Company Bank and served on its board of directors, executive committee and loan committee. He also served on the board of the Girls Club, Mary Immaculate Hospital Board, the Virginia Peninsula Economic Development Board (executive committee), the Newport News-Williamsburg International Airport Board, the Virginia Aviation Board and the Signet Bank Board.
Joe entered the political arena winning election to the Newport News City Council in 1970 and again in 1976, 1980 and 1984. In 1976, council voted him to the position of mayor, a role in which he served honorably for 10 years.
He was a prime mover in the initiation of City Center at Oyster Point in 2000 and was known for his strong support for economic development, including the growth and success of the Oyster Point Office Park. Joe was instrumental in the city being selected for the Army Air Forces Exchange Service one million square foot distribution center at Oakland Industrial Park. He also played a key role in bringing Cannon Virginia to Newport News.
Joe was the first Republican ever elected to the Newport News City Council and the first Republican mayor of the city. His decade of leadership oversaw major infrastructure enhancements that laid the groundwork for future growth. In February 2025, he was among five former mayors honored at the State of the City address—a testament to the lasting impact of his service.
Joe ultimately left the construction business to his son, Joey, and intensified his involvement in development. The initial development of City Center at Oyster Point was initiated by Joe during the tenure of city manager Ed Maroney. Joe remained on the board of the investment group from its beginning until City Center was sold in July 2016. He and his associates then acquired City Center in July 2016, with Joe managing the property until it was sold again in December 2021.
Throughout his life, Joe enjoyed golfing, boating and traveling the world. He was a proud member of the James River Country Club, the Kingsmill Golf Association and the Hilton Head Golf Club.
He will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to family, his service to the City of Newport News and his love of life.
Visitation was held Tuesday, August 26, at the Peninsula Funeral Home. A memorial service was held Wednesday, August 27, at Hidenwood Presbyterian Church; a Celebration of Life followed at James River Country Club.
