VA SJR235

Joseph C. Ritchie, former Mayor of Newport News, died on August 17, 2025, and this resolution honors his legacy of public service and economic development contributions to the city

Served as a United States Marine Corps member during the Korean War, then worked at Newport News Shipbuilding and Dow Chemical Company before founding Ritchie-Curbow Construction Company

Made history as the first Republican elected to Newport News City Council and the first Republican mayor, serving four terms on council beginning in 1970 and as mayor from 1976 to 1986

Played a key role in major economic development projects including City Center at Oyster Point (2000), the Army & Air Force Exchange Service at Oakland Industrial Park, and the Canon Virginia facility

Provided leadership to numerous organizations including the Virginia Peninsula Economic Development Board, Virginia Company Bank, Bon Secours Mary Immaculate Hospital, and the Virginia Aviation Board