Mr. Thomas Kennedy Riddick

Tom is survived by his Mom and Dad - Alice & Fred Gilcher; biological Father-Tom Riddick Sr.; 3 Daughters - Tracey, Bonnie, and Patricia; Grandson-Patrick; Sisters-Mary Cervati, Laura Gilcher, Karin Gilcher; Brothers-Fred Gilcher Jr., Gary Gilcher, and David Gilcher; 3 nephews-Manuel Gilcher, Matthew Gilcher, Thomas Donaway and 1 niece-Megan Donaway.

Tom was born in Jersey City, later raised in Union City, NJ. Attended Union Hill High School, leaving at the age of 17 to enroll in the US Army, doing his basic training at Fort Dix, NJ. Tom served in Viet Nam for 14 months (1966-1967).

Tommy was last employed as a Doorman for the Horizon House in Fort Lee. He was known at work as "Captain Tom". He was respected and loved by so many residents and co-workers there. The building held a beautiful memorial service at the building for Tom on October 16, 2002. The room was full of Tom's friends and co-workers and building residents that were so very fond of him.

The ladies in the building were diligent in ensuring Tommy was sent good home cooked meals to his apartment house, prepared by a group of the women in the Horizon House.

Tom's last residence was at 208 Clark Terrace in Cliffside Park, where he was surrounded by so many other good people that lived in his building. The residents, the superintendent-Benny and his family, all took good care of him by providing him food, checking on him and spending time with him.

Tom was a guy with a terrific sense of humor, a caring soul, showing kindness to everyone, no matter how poor or wealthy. He was street smart, fun to be around, proud to be Irish and proud of his Italian half as well. He loved to watch a Mets game, or spend an afternoon watching football - preferably the Giants. He loved good food, good beer and jokes (even bad ones!)

Tommy loved the great outdoors for hunting, camping, biking, hiking and fishing. He was probably his happiest whenever he had a fishing rod in his hand. Tommy's close friends, Rich and his wife Tisha had Tom live with them for the last month and a half of his life, in their home in Demascus PA. There Tommy was at peace and comfortable in the outdoor environment with such wonderful care and affection from his friends. Tommy treasured his friendships and had many close friends that were around since he was a teenager. Bruce, Vinnie, Frank, Ronnie, Louie, Pete, Bobby, Mike, Richie and Dave were household names to Tommy holding them very close in his heart. Later in life, Tommy met Billy and Tony through work. All of these guys cared for Tommy right up through his last days on earth. My brother was not rich by money at all, but he certainly was rich in friendships and love from all those around him.

Tommy was married to Claudia Allen in 1971. At the time, Tom was working for the Union City Dept. of Public Works. They had a beautiful daughter - Tracey. They lived in Union City. Some years later they divorced but remained friends.

Tommy married Mary Ann Garvey in 1978. They moved to the mountains in Jeffersonville, NY where Tom worked in security at one of the local resorts and later worked in physical therapy in a local hospital. They purchased their first home in Kenoza Lake, NY but later divorced, still remaining friends.

A few years later, Tom and Susan Laughlin became parents and raised two beautiful daughters, Bonnie and Patricia. They separated after several years. Bonnie and Patricia stayed close to their Dad. At the time of Tom's death, Tracey was 29, Bonnie was 20 and Patricia was 19.

Tom's sister Mary, brother-in-law Bob, and friends, Billy and Tony were with Tom when he passed away at Compassionate Care Hospice in Dover, NJ on Sept. 24, 2002. Within the last few days of Tom's life he was in contact with his parents, visited by all of his lifetime friends, his daughters, sister and brother in law and his brand new baby grandson. He expressed his love to everyone, kept a smile for us all, and was about the bravest person you would ever imagine.

Tom's funeral arrangements were handled by Leber Funeral Home in Union City so that his many friends, co-workers, and family could attend. He was buried with military honor for his service in Viet Nam. In remembrance of his military service, Leber Funeral Home held a beautiful memorial and dedication ceremony on Nov. 10, 2002 for Tom and all the other veterans they serviced in 2002. A plaque with Tom's name and the other veteran's names is displayed in Leber's building.

This is just a short story about a very important person is so many lives. Our hearts broke when he was taken from us. We all miss Tommy tremendously, but find some comfort in knowing Tommy is at peace now, without pain, in Heaven - watching over all those he loves.