Coach Dick Ridinger has passed away at 92.

George Richard Ridinger, "Coach Dick", 92, of West Deptford, NJ passed this life, on February 12, 2015 peacefully at his home, with his wife and Granddaughter, Amanda, at his bed side . Dick was born on June 23, 1922 in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania to Howard and Amy Sheads Ridinger along with 4 brothers and 2 sisters, with surviving siblings Phil Ridinger and Peggy Paris. He is survived by his wife and soul mate of 68 years, Tommie, his 2 sons, and wives: Jim "JR with Loren and Tom with Susan, and 4 grandchildren who he adored: Amanda, Amber, Andy and Alex and a great grandson Ayden.

Dick graduated from Gettysburg College and held a Master's Degree in Education.

Dick was a celebrated veteran of World War II as an Army infantry Lieutenant receiving several medals and honors including the Bronze Medal of Honor for combat in France where he met his wife Tommie, who was an Army Nurse.

However, Coach Dick was best known as the legendary high school coach, teacher, guidance counselor at Paulsboro from 1947 to 1962 and Collingswood 1963 to 1970. He was inducted into the Paulsboro, Collingswood, South Jersey and National Football Hall of Fames, never having a losing season and winning multiple championships. Dick was a champion at mentoring and inspiring young people. and hundred's attribute his influence to their success or having changed their lives for the better. Dick was an avid gardener, and a civil war historian and authority on Abraham Lincoln.

But most importantly he was a devoted husband and he and Tommie are a real life version of the movie "Notebook"! He was the perfect father and friend and lived his life by a poem he found while in WWII combat: I KNOW SOMETHING GOOD ABOUT YOU (by Louis Shimon). He found the good in everyone. He left his foot print on the world and a legacy of better people he touched everywhere. Dad and Coach, you shine as a beacon light for others to follow in life.

The viewing will be on Sunday, February 15, 2015 between 11:30 and 1:30 PM and the Memorial Service at 1:30 PM in the McGUINNESS FUNERAL HOME, 34 Hunter Street, Woodbury, NJ; Interment with Military Honors will follow in Woodbury Memorial Park, West Deptford . Leave thoughts, remembrances and comments at: http://richard-ridinger.skymorials.com/

Share the memories … share love … ShareLife® at www.mcgfuneral.com

Funeral Home
McGuinness Funeral Home
34 Hunter Street Woodbury, NJ 08096
(856) 845-0888
Published in Courier-Post on Feb. 14, 2015