Gerald M. Ridgeway

Gerald M. Ridgeway, 94, passed away peacefully on December 31, 2024 after living a rich and full life. Gerald (aka Gerry) was born on a farm October 16, 1930 in Fall Creek Township, Indiana, to Arthur and Mildred (Gale) Ridgeway. Gerald said his father complained that he had to sell 100 bushels of corn to pay the bill for the doctor who had to drive from the nearest town. Corn was selling for 9 cents per bushel and the bill was $9. In 1944 during World War II, the family moved to a new farm in Madison County Indiana. Gerald entered high school in the nearest town, Pendleton, where he graduated in 1948. He worked on the farm, a gas station and a local factory until the Korean war broke out. He and his brother, Carroll, joined the Navy in 1950 where Gerald excelled in electronics, working with naval aircraft, sonobuoys and magnetic air detection equipment. He was honorably discharged in 1954 when the war ended. He then enrolled in electrical engineering at Purdue where he graduated with a BSEE in 1958. His first job was with Cummins Diesel Engine where he worked in their railroad division, receiving accolades for his designs including the heating system for trains and rail yard switches. In his spare time he loved going to the Indianapolis Speedway and watching the races.

He married Barbara (Alexander) Sylvester in 1960, gaining not only a new wife, but also two small children, Victoria (Vikki) and James (Jim). They were then joined by baby Deborah (Deb). In 1962 he went to RCA, beginning his work to improve televisions. Recruited by Zenith in 1966, they left Indiana and finished raising their family in the suburbs of Chicago. At Zenith, he continued to do electronic design, even having a model of TV named after him. He eventually joined their sales department.

He and Barbara moved to Severna Park, Maryland in 1980, where his career ended up going full circle by working with the Navy prior to retiring in 1995. They enjoyed living on the water and built a rich community of friends in both their church and neighborhood. He served as treasurer for his local community association, and also became certified to help people with their tax returns. When walking his dog, he would always stop to talk to neighbors who loved his friendliness. When Barbara became ill, they made their last move, to Livingston, Texas in 2017, to be closer to their kids. Upon Barbara's passing in 2019, he moved to an assisted living community in Bellaire. There he quickly won over the staff and residents with his helpful nature. He loved to get up early and give the staff the morning paper; hand out bingo cards; and play Rummikub and do jigsaw puzzles. His love, humor and intellect will be missed.

Gerald is survived by his children Vikki (Sylvester) Jones, Jim Sylvester, Deb (Ridgeway) Neubek, grandson Grant Neubek, and half-brother Ron Ridgeway. He was preceded in death by his wife Barbara, his brother Carroll, his parents Arthur and Mildred (Arnett) and his grandson Dean Neubek.

A memorial service will be held in 2025 when the family takes his and Barbara's ashes to Indiana for interment. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your favorite charity.