David Lee Rittichier

David Lee Rittichier, age 79, was born on February 11, 1943, to parents Clement Joseph and Rita Joan, in the farming community of Wauseon, Ohio.  Dave (as he was known to friends and family) passed away peacefully in his sleep on March 1, 2022 in his home in Poway, CA, with his wife, Connie, nearby.

Growing up the oldest of 9 on a  working farm instilled in Dave the values of hard work, family, and a whatever it takes attitude.  These values would guide him throughout his life with school, career, military service, and his family. 

After graduating from Wauseon High School in 1961, Dave went on to study accounting and business at Ashland College (now University).  There he played on the football team and was also where he met his wife, Connie.  After graduating, he began his career with PPG in Ohio.  Within one year, duty called, and Dave enlisted in the Marine Corps to serve in Vietnam.  As Captain he served both as Supply Officer as well as Civilian Affairs Officer while in Vietnam until his honorable discharge in 1969.

Upon returning from Vietnam and back to civilian life, Dave restarted his career, this time with Alcoa, in Cleveland, Ohio.  Dave and Connie went on to have two children, Kristy and Scott.  After transfers to Massena, NY; Pittsburgh, PA; and San Diego, CA, Dave ultimately retired as President of one of its subsidiaries in 1998.  

In his retirement, Dave enjoyed spending time with his wife and family.  You could count on Connie and him traveling all over, but some of the favorites were New York City, Utah, and a long awaited Alaska trip for their 50th Anniversary in 2016.  Dave was blessed to watch all four of his grandchildren grow up from newborns until nearly graduating high school.  He enjoyed actively cheering on their sports over the years.  Each grandchild, Matthew and Megan McCandless (18) and Makena Rittichier (15) and Ryan Rittichier (13) knew their Pap Pap would be in the front row cheering them on and keeping the umpires and refs honest.  Baseball was always in his blood from his days playing catcher in his youth, to coaching his son’s Little League teams, to holding season tickets with Connie to the San Diego Padres for over 20 years.  You could also find Connie and him regularly enjoying the theater as they were members of multiple theater companies from San Diego to L.A.

Although always on the go, Dave’s favorite past time was simply spending time with his wife, kids, and grandkids.  He was always about his family.

Anyone who knew Dave was touched by his generosity, his keen sense of humor, and his passion to problem solve.  You knew everything was going to work out fine with Dave in charge.  He enjoyed entertaining and relished the moments when a group was gathering in his home.  He loved the kitchen and had some signature dishes.  For anyone who had a slice of his home made bread or a plate of his world famous potato salad, you knew you had a taste of Heaven on Earth.

Dave was predeceased by his father, Clement Joseph.  He is survived by his mother, Rita Joan, his wife Connie, his daughter Kristy McCandless, his son Scott, his four grandchildren, Matthew and Megan McCandless and Makena and Ryan Rittichier, his brothers Jim, Mike, Gary and Tom, and his sisters, Mary, Cindy, Jill and Tammy.

Dave’s remains will be interred at Miramar National Cemetery.

For those so inclined, in lieu of flowers, please send any donation to the Wounded Warrior Project (www.woundedwarriorproject.org)

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