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SJ235 • 2026

Celebrating the life of Joseph C. Ritchie.

Celebrating the life of Joseph C. Ritchie.

Enacted

This bill passed the Legislature and reached final enactment based on the latest official action.

Sponsor
Diggs
Last action
2026-03-14
Official status
Passed
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The official source material focuses on celebrating Joseph C. Ritchie's life rather than expressing sadness over his death.

Celebrating the Life of Joseph C. Ritchie

This legislation celebrates and honors the life and contributions of Joseph C. Ritchie, a respected public servant and community leader in Newport News.

What This Bill Does

  • Recognizes the death of Joseph C. Ritchie on August 17, 2025.
  • Highlights his contributions to economic growth and development in Newport News through various roles including mayor and business owner.
  • Acknowledges his service as a Marine Corps member during the Korean War.
  • Expresses respect for his memory.

Who It Names or Affects

  • The family of Joseph C. Ritchie
  • Residents of Newport News who benefited from his leadership

Terms To Know

WHEREAS
A phrase used to introduce a series of facts or reasons that support the main resolution.
RESOLVED
A statement expressing an official decision or opinion, often in legislative documents.

Limits and Unknowns

  • The legislation does not provide financial compensation or benefits.
  • It is a symbolic gesture and does not create new laws or policies.

Bill History

  1. 2026-03-14 Senate

    Bill text as passed Senate and House (SJ235ER)

  2. 2026-03-12 House

    Agreed to by House

  3. 2026-03-11 House

    Received

  4. 2026-03-11 House

    Laid on Speaker's table

  5. 2026-03-10 Senate

    Agreed to by Senate

  6. 2026-03-09 Senate

    Presented 26107080D

  7. 2026-03-09 Senate

    Laid on Clerk's Desk

Official Summary Text

Celebrating the life of Joseph C. Ritchie.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text 
Celebrating the life of Joseph C. Ritchie.
Agreed to by the Senate, March 10, 2026
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, March 12, 2026
WHEREAS, Joseph C. Ritchie, a dedicated public servant and respected local leader who left a legacy of excellence to the City of Newport News through his commitment to economic growth, died on August 17, 2025; and
WHEREAS, Joseph “Joe” Ritchie grew up in Newport News and graduated from Newport News High School; he continued his education in various apprenticeships and extension school programs, then served the nation as an active-duty member of the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War; and
WHEREAS, Joe Ritchie worked for Newport News Shipbuilding in piping design and for Dow Chemical Company in project engineering before establishing the Ritchie-Curbow Construction Company; and
WHEREAS, Joe Ritchie guided a wide range of construction and development projects in Newport News, and he provided his leadership and expertise to many other organizations, including the executive committee of the Virginia Peninsula Economic Development Board, the Virginia Company Bank, Bon Secours Mary Immaculate Hospital, Newport News-Williamsburg International Airport, and the Virginia Aviation Board; and
WHEREAS, desirous to be of further service, Joe Ritchie ran for and was elected to the Newport News City Council and served four terms beginning in 1970; he was a trusted voice in municipal government and was elected by his fellow councilmembers to serve as mayor from 1976 to 1986; and
WHEREAS, Joe Ritchie made history as the first Republican elected to the Newport News City Council and the first Republican elected as mayor; during his long tenure in public office, he guided the city through a period of significant growth, infrastructure development, and civic progress, enhancing the quality of life for countless local residents over the years; and
WHEREAS, in 2000, Joe Ritchie played an important role in the creation of City Center at Oyster Point, a successful mixed-use district, and he was instrumental in the development of the Army & Air Force Exchange Service at Oakland Industrial Park and the Canon Virginia facility in Newport News; and
WHEREAS, over the course of his many years in business and public service, Joe Ritchie was highly admired for his integrity, steady leadership, and unwavering dedication to serving the residents of Newport News; and
WHEREAS, outside of his career, Joe Ritchie enjoyed traveling, boating, and golfing, and he was a proud member of the James River Country Club, the Kingsmill Golf Association, and the Hilton Head Golf Club; and
WHEREAS, Joe Ritchie will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his beloved wife of 36 years, Kathleen; his children, Joseph, Jr., and Joanne, and their families; and numerous other family members, friends, and colleagues; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of Joseph C. Ritchie, a respected public servant and a pillar of the community in Newport News; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Joseph C. Ritchie as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for his memory.