Brian E. Ritchey, 65, of Polk died unexpectedly on Monday afternoon April 21, 2014 at Grove City Medical Center.

Born February 7, 1949 in Bellefonte, he was a son of the late Leonard E. and Jeanne M. Hawk Ritchey.

He was a 1967 graduate of Titusville High School. He also attended nursing school and became a Registered Nurse.

With his medical background, he started a career with Baxter Pharmaceuticals where he specialized in Blood Apheresis. He became highly knowledgeable in this area and lectured in Japan and throughout Europe on the subject. Brian co-developed a new needle that was used in Blood Apheresis and was the only non-medical doctor to publish a chapter in an apheresis journal.

Mr. Ritchey proudly served his country for nearly four years in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War.

He enjoyed fishing, photography, and motorcycling.

He is survived by two sisters; Leslie Dietz of Uniontown and Betsy Allen of Cortland, NY; three brothers, Calvin G. Ritchey of Orlando, FL, Geoff Ritchey of Carlisle and Cory Ritchey of Thornton, CO.

Additionally surviving are his Florida friends whom he became very close with when visiting his brother Calvin.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

There will be no visitation or services.

Interment will be made at Carson Valley Cemetery in Duncansville, PA.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Huff Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc. 312 West Park St. Franklin.

In lieu of flowers Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project P.O. Box 758517 Topeka, Kansas 66675.