Duane P. Ritchey, 90, of Marion, PA, passed away on Tuesday afternoon, October 6, 2026, at his home. Born September 12, 1936, in Mineral Point, PA, he was a son of the late Merle and Dorothy Griffith Ritchey. His beloved wife, Florence F. Molchan Ritchey, whom he married on April 3, 1956, preceded him in death on February 14, 2023.
Duane was a 1955 graduate of Franklin-East Taylor Township Joint High School in Cambria County. Early in his life he was employed at Bethlehem Steel in Johnstown, PA. He was later employed at James River Co. in Chambersburg in machine maintenance for over 30 years until his retirement. He was a member of West Side Brethren In Christ Church, and enjoyed singing old time country music and playing the guitar and accordion. He also enjoyed time spent with his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren, and attending family reunions.
He is survived by his four children, Sherry Gelwicks and husband Keith of Marion, Mark Ritchey and wife Victoria of Chambersburg, Monica Burkholder and husband Douglas of Chambersburg, and Alison Holmes and husband Chuck of Marion; eight grandchildren, Andrew, Kurtis, Alex, Sharah, Randy, Kristin, Christian, and Austin; six great-grandchildren, Camden, Hunner, Cameron, Brantley, Karter, and Cash; his sister, Delores Hagerich of Johnstown, and his sister-in-law, Wally Ritchey of Fayetteville. Aside from his parents and wife, Duane was preceded in death by his brother, Ronald Ritchey; and his brother-in-law, Clair Hagerich.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at West Side Brethren In Christ Church, 2665 Lincoln Way West, Chambersburg, PA 17202. Rev. W. David Kent will officiate. Interment will follow at Parklawns Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 12:00 – 1:00 PM on Tuesday at the church. Arrangements are entrusted to the Thomas L. Geisel Funeral Home, Chambersburg, PA. Memorial contributions may be made to West Side Brethren in Christ Church at the above address. Condolences and memories may be shared at geiselfuneralhome.com.
