Frederick Joseph Ridgway

Fred was born in Salem, New Jersey to Donald and Maybelle Ridgway on May 15, 1937. He attended W&L High School (Arlington, Va.) where he was a member of the football and crew team. Additionally, he went to Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Blacksburg, Va.) for 2 years before being drafted to serve in the Army. He married Carolyn Derby in 1964. After her death in 1973, he married Roberta Kent in 1977. Roberta passed away in 1983.

Throughout Fred’s 88 years of life, he spent many years in bowling alleys, enjoying them recreationally and owning one in Arlington, Virginia. Additionally, he owned a boat shop in Clarendon, Virginia. During his later years, Fred worked as a courier and in security in the DMV area. Fred enjoyed traveling for bowling tournaments as well as Saturday night poker games at his house. Fred never found a poker and craps table he didn’t like, spending many weekends traveling and having fun at casinos.

In addition to both wives, Fred is preceded in death by his parents Donald and Maybelle Ridgway.

Fred is survived by his children: Margaret (Meg) Ridgway of Anniston, Alabama, Karen Miller (Kevin) of Germantown, Maryland, Frederick (Dennis) Ridgway (Mary) of Annandale, Virginia, and his stepdaughter Sandy Golden of Arcadia, Florida, sisters Geraldine Mason (Charlie) of Ft. Washington, Maryland and Donna Ballou (William) of Clifton, Virginia, Grandchildren: Elizabeth Miller, Benjamin Miller and Frederick (Keaton) Ridgway, as well as nieces, nephews and friends.

Funeral services will take place graveside at National Memorial Park, 7482 Lee Highway, Falls Church, VA 22042 on Saturday, February 14th at 11:00 a.m. After graveside services, we invite you to celebrate at Fred’s favorite restaurant: Famous Dave’s: 2910 Chain Bridge Road, Oakton, Virginia.

Memorial contributions may be made to Bowlers to Veterans at www.bvl.org or a charity of your choice.