Douglas Edward Ritchie, Jr., 78 of Mechanicsville, MD died suddenly December 10, 2011 at his home. Born May 19, 1933 in Dubois, PA, he was the son of the late Douglas E. and Josephine (nee Hoare) Ritchie.

He was the loving husband of Eleanor N. (nee Baumgart) Ritchie whom he married on June 17, 1961 in Teaneck, NJ.

Mr. Ritchie graduated from Alleghany High School in Cumberland, MD in 1951 and Washington and Lee University in Virginia in 1955. Graduate studies followed in medical science at Johns Hopkins University. He was a marine biologist and extension for the University of Maryland for twenty years retiring in 1980. He then became an insurance and real estate agent and sales representative for Knapp and Mason shoes. He enjoyed listening to music from the Big Band era, playing the saxophone, collecting stamps and coins and creating greeting cards for family and friends on his computer. He was a former member of the Leonardtown Lions Club and was a member of the Hollywood Masonic Lodge and St. Mary's County Republican Club.

Mr. Ritchie is survived by his wife, his three children, Douglas E. Ritchie, III (Linda) of Toronto, Canada, Leslie Anne Kunz (Douglas) of Phoenix, AZ and Christine Suzanne Ritchie of Yarmouth, ME and four grandsons, Alexander and Nicholas Ritchie and Tyler and Ryan Kunz. He is also survived by two aunts and many cousins.

Family will receive friends for Mr. Ritchie's Life Celebration on Wednesday, December 14, 2011 from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Brinsfield Funeral Home, 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, MD 20650. Prayers will be recited at 7:00 p.m. A graveside service will be held on Thursday, December 15, 2011 at the Hillcrest Memorial Park, Cumberland, MD at 2:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to the Mechanicsville Rescue Squad/Fire Department, American Heart Association, the Humane Society or a charity of one's choice.

Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.