Obituary of Irvin T. Ridley, Sr.

Irvin T. Ridley, Sr. was born on July 20, 1968 in Camden, New Jersey, the only child to the late Alma Tina Ridley. He was united in Matrimony to his high school sweetheart, Paris Cooper on August 20, 1994. To this union, three children were born, Irvin II, Jordan and Jaryn. Irvin received his formal education in the Camden City School District. He graduated from Camden High School in 1987. He then enlisted into the United States Air Force, receiving an Honorable Discharge in 1991. After serving in the Armed Forces, Irvin then worked at the Claridge Casino in Atlantic City, NJ. In 1999, he started working for the NJ Department of Corrections at the Adult Diagnostic Treatment Center in Rahway, NJ. He then transferred to his last place of employment, Central Medical Unit in Trenton, NJ. Irvin was a Desert Storm Veteran. He received many commendations while in the military; AF Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Metal and Overseas Long Term Ribbon just to name a few. He received a Commissioners Commendation from the NJ Department of Corrections for aiding in delivering of a baby while driving to work on the NJ Turnpike. Irvin received a Volunteer Appreciation Award from the Camden City Police Department for a mentor and workshop presenter from the M.A.L.L. Program. For a brief time, he was a PBA Local #105 Vice President. Irvin was also a member of the Honor Guard. Irv, affectionately known by most, was a fun, loving and proud person. He was always there for his family and friends. He enjoyed reading, seeking and giving knowledge. He enjoyed going to movies, playing spades and poker, decorating and dressing for his famous Halloween Parties. He was the biggest trash talker ever, especially when it came to his Pittsburgh Steelers. He leaves to mourn, his wife, Paris F. Ridley; one son, Irvin T. Ridley II; two daughters, Jordan and Jaryn Ridley; his beloved Sonic; his father, Luther Clowers; three step-sisters, Bridgette Turner, Tanya Scott and Shainn Reads; sister-in-law, Dawn Cooper; a special aunt, Alice Bullock and a host of close family, friends, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and Brothers and Sisters in Blue.