In the quiet corners of Cuba, New York, where the landscape paints pictures of rural beauty, the community mourns the passing of a humble soul, Ritchie Edwin Harwood. Born on May 8, 1955, to George and Marie Vincent Harwood, Ritchie’s journey was one marked by simplicity, genuine warmth, and a quiet strength that endeared him to those who knew him. Ritchie found purpose in the simplicity of life, and his work as a janitor for BOCES in Belmont and PWI in Wellsville reflected his commitment to the fundamental tasks that make a community function.
A custodian by profession, Ritchie approached his work with diligence and a sense of responsibility, leaving a mark of cleanliness and order in the spaces he cared for. His dedication to his duties was a testament to his understanding that every role, no matter how seemingly ordinary, plays a vital part in the fabric of a community.
A man of quiet faith, Ritchie found solace in attending Obi Community Church whenever he could. The church became a place where he could draw strength, find community, and nurture his spiritual side. His presence within the church walls was a reflection of his appreciation for the values that bind people together and provide comfort in times of joy and sorrow. Beyond his professional and religious affiliations, Ritchie embraced life’s simple joys. His love for movies, a passion for music, and the occasional travel created a mosaic of experiences that brought joy to his heart. Whether he was immersed in the cinematic world, swaying to the rhythm of melodies, or exploring new places, Ritchie found beauty in the uncomplicated pleasures that life had to offer.
Ritchie’s siblings, Larry Harwood of Rushford and Linda Harwood of Wellsville, shared in the fabric of his life. Their bonds, woven by shared memories and the ties of family, were a source of comfort and companionship for Ritchie. In the tapestry of their relationships, there existed a wealth of shared experiences, laughter, and the enduring love that ties siblings together.
As Ritchie leaves this earthly stage, he is preceded in death by his parents, George and Marie Vincent Harwood, and two brothers, Bernard Harwood and Louis Harwood. Their spirits, along with Ritchie’s, find a resting place in the collective memory of those who were touched by their lives.
On Tuesday, January 23, 2024, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm, family and friends will gather at the Kopler-Williams Funeral Home, 21 N Genesee Street, Fillmore, to pay their respects and share their memories. A funeral service, officiated by Jerry Clark, will follow at 12:00 pm. Ritchie’s final resting place will be at Hardy’s Corners Cemetery in Rushford, where the quiet beauty of the countryside will cradle his earthly remains.
In celebrating Ritchie Edwin Harwood’s life, we remember a man who found fulfillment in the simple joys, who quietly strengthened the community through his dedicated work, and who left an indelible mark on the hearts of those fortunate enough to know him.
