MARYDEL - Jerome Ritchie, 58, passed away Dec. 30, 2010, in Kent General Hospital. Jerome was born on June 23, 1952, in Wilmington, son of the late Joseph and Lillian (Fleetwood) Ritchie. He was admitted in the Stockley Center when he was nine years old, where he spent most of his life before moving to Hidden Acres in 2004. After moving into Hidden Acres, he developed a special relationship with friends: Stacy and Tamika, Sam "Pop" Powell who he went four wheeling through the woods in Harrington in Pop's big truck and on the gator; Kim who has a special place in her heart for Jerome; Kat, who had worked with him for a couple of years, missed him so much, she returned back again to Hidden Acres. Melissa, Pauli, and Dez enjoyed their time with him too. Johanna who had the pleasure of sharing his first slow dance; and CJ, who looked after him every month at the Arc Dance, making sure he had his snacks, but let's not forget his friends Mary Jo and Freda too. Jerome attended Easter Seals Monday through Friday and his favorite staff members there were Joan, Patti and Jen. Some of his favorite activities were playing with his puff balls and blocks. Jerome also touched many people's hearts at DDDS, especially Donna, Cindy, Cathy, and Migdalia, and others that had the pleasure of working with him. Jerome is survived by his siblings, JoAnn Marvel of Wilmington, Lillian Carter of Smyrna, Darleen Brittingham of Ocean City, Md., Ronald Bell and Helen Jentis of New Castle; and his extended family Sam, Sylvia, Buffy, Denise, Justin, Casey and Sam, Jr. A gathering will be held at 6 p.m. with celebration of his life starting at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 13, 2011, at the Pippin Funeral Home, 119 W. Camden-Wyoming Ave., Wyoming. Letters of condolences can be sent via www.pippinfuneralhome.com.