Thomas J. “Ace” Ritchie, 40, beloved husband of Melissa (Shambarger) Ritchie, died Tuesday evening surrounded by his loving family at the Kaplan Family Hospice in Danvers after a courageous 5-year battle against Ewing Sarcoma Cancer.

Born in Stoneham, he was the son of Stephen Ritchie and Donna DeMartino, both of Peabody. Tom was a lifelong resident and graduate of Peabody High School, class of 1999.

Tom was employed at Mersen Industries of Newburyport as a test engineer for many years.

In Tom’s earlier years he enjoyed playing in Peabody youth sports including football and baseball. This led him into coaching for his son Mason for Peabody Little League and continuing in adult leagues for himself. An avid biker and runner, it wouldn’t be surprising to find Tom running a half marathon before or after a chemo or radiation appointment.

For the past 5 years Tom endured the ups and downs of cancer treatment as well as living his life to the fullest with his family making memories, whether it was on vacation at the beach, in the backyard, or as a mechanic and car enthusiast racing his car at New England Dragway, which he called his “happy place.”
Dana Farber was a huge part of Tom’s life for the past 5 years and with their help treating Tom came wonderful opportunities. Tom was asked to be the speaker at the Kraft Family Annual Blood Donor Brunch at Gillette Stadium, be a participant at the Crucial Catch Football Game and attend many Red Sox games with his family.

In addition to his wife with whom he shared 15 years of marriage, he is survived by his two sons, Mason and Gavin, both of Peabody, his parents Stephen and his wife Lynda, his mother Donna DeMartino, a sister Kathleen Cole and her husband Derek, a sister Paige Ritchie, his mother-in- law Peggy Shambarger, all of Peabody, his two brothers-in-law, Thomas and James Shambarger, both of NH, his father-in-law Thomas Shambarger of ME, his niece, Makayla Cole, his nephews Anthony Cole and Thomas Shambarger, his stepsister Jamie Tagliamonte, his step brother David Harnch, and many other family members and dear friends.

Visiting hours will be held on Sunday from 3:00 until 6:00 PM at the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St, Peabody and his Funeral Service will be on Monday at 11:00 AM at the funeral home to which relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. Burial will be in Cedar Grove Cemetery, Peabody.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Melissa’s name to a special account for the benefit of the children of Thomas Ritchie at any Eastern Bank branch location.