Scott Joseph Ritchie

Scott would be the first one to tell you his greatest accomplishment was the family he built.

He is survived by his pride and joy, his children, Carolyn (Eugene), and Jennifer (Ryan), and grandchildren, Rowan, Noah, and Hunter; his siblings Patrick, and Adele (Robert); his chosen brothers in his lifelong friends Kirk and Kathy, and Mark (Donna); his nieces and nephews, Jordan, Kerin, River, Molly, RJ, Nikki, Kevin, Paige, and Taylor; his numerous cousins; and countless friends whose lives were made better by knowing him.

Family, to Scott, was never defined by blood alone. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Gladys, and her children, Stephanie and Lauren, whom he loved as his own family.

Waiting to welcome him home were his loving wife of 41 years, Linda; his parents, Walter Sr. and Patricia; his brother, Walter Jr.; and his chosen brother Eric, all of whom he missed dearly.

The measure of a life is the love left behind, and his was immeasurable.

Born in Levittown, PA on April 3, 1960, he would soon become a lifelong resident of what he would describe as “heaven on earth”, otherwise known as Pine Beach. Although he recently relocated to Whiting after semi-retiring from Ocean Trophies, Pine Beach never stopped being home. Often, a simple errand turned into a detour past the river he loved so much. In his teens he spent glorious days at what he would say was the best job ever, pumping gas at the marina, or spending hours out on the river, whether by sail or underway. In 1979 he graduated from what is known as the greatest school on earth, Toms River High School South. His school spirit did not end when he walked out the doors as a student; rather, it has continued as an ongoing devotion ensuring that many traditions continue, and he is well known for assisting in planning multiple reunions over the years.

In 1983, he married the love of his life, Linda, and together they built a life centered on family, friendship, and community. Above all else, he loved Linda. Whether running the business together, raising their daughters, or simply enjoying everyday life, they built a partnership that lasted more than four decades.

In his adult years he took over the family business, Ocean Trophies, where he was known as the go-to guy for any kind of trophy or award. He took great pride in his work, donated awards and scholarships to many organizations, and since he never met a stranger, he collected life long friends instead of business associates along the way.

He always made time to be at as many track/cross country meets, soccer games, swimming meets, baseball games, basketball games, and dance recitals as he could; when he was not attending a sporting event for one of the kids in the family, you would often find him going to car shows and riding around in Kirk’s newest convertible (always with the top down) or one of his other “sweet rides”. Because to Scott, showing up for and spending time with family was non-negotiable. His definition of family did not end with blood relatives, instead he was a collector of people who became his family.

Outside of spending time with his family, Scott loved listening to (good) music, collecting and wearing Grateful Dead shirts, talking about cars of all kinds, picking out the perfect greeting card for any occasion, and his love language was giving gifts. He was known for buying birthday and Christmas presents almost a year in advance. He rarely showed up to anything empty handed because “this made me think of you” or “you mentioned you liked this.” But his generosity did not stop there, he was the first to buy a police officer or member of the military a meal, or pay for the coffee for the person behind him.

Scott had a way of making people feel important. Whether you had known him for fifty years or five minutes, he made you feel like family. Though we will miss him every day, we carry forward his legacy of kindness, humor, and strength.

Dad, thank you for the lessons you taught, the sacrifices you made, and the love you gave so freely. We will miss your voice, your smile, and the comfort of knowing you were always there. Though our hearts are broken, we take comfort in knowing that your love remains with us, guiding us still. We will all carry you with us every day, until we meet again.

Wildflower seed in the sand and wind

May the four winds blow you home again

-Grateful Dead

Visitation will be Monday, June 29 from 1-5 pm, with a service beginning at 4:30 pm at Anderson & Campbell Funeral Home,

703 Main St., Toms River.

A Celebration of Life will immediately follow at B2 Bistro in Bayville at 125 Bayview Ave

In the spirit of Scott, we encourage comfort, tie dye, and Grateful Dead attire.

In lieu of flowers, please consider registering as an organ donor, or “pulling a Scott” and paying for the person in line behind you