Obituary of John Riddiford

John Anthony Bourgoyne Riddiford 75 died peacefully on Monday February 13, 2012 at Mt. Nittany Medical Center. He was born October 18, 1936 in New York City, the son of the late William James and Florentine Teresa Gosnievski Riddiford. John graduated from the Watkinson School of Hartford Conn. in 1954. He graduated with a B.A. in Political Science from Brown University in 1958 and received his Master's in Political Science from the Pennsylvania State University in 1973. John was a career Infantry Officer in the U.S. Army and retired with the rank of Lt. Colonel in 1979. He served two tours of duty in Viet Nam, volunteering for his second tour. He was the recipient of various meritorious awards that include The Silver Star for gallantry in ground combat, The Air Medal, three Bronze Stars, and The Purple Heart. During his tour he developed extensive knowledge and affection for the Montagnard people of Viet Nam and their culture. While serving as Assistant Professor of Military Science, United States Army Reserve Training Corps Instructor at The Pennsylvania State University from 1969-1973, he was the project officer responsible for the unequalled success of the Army's pilot Women in ROTC Program. Following John's military career he worked in development for The Heritage Foundation, The Rockford Institute, The Pennsylvania State University, Grace Lutheran Social Ministries and as Vice President of University Relations at Alfred University. His most recent employment was as a bookseller for Barnes and Noble which he enjoyed immensely. John was an avid reader, interested specifically in History, Geography, various cultures and religions. He spoke several languages including Polish, Spanish and Vietnamese, and possessed a sharp wit. Having lived by the water throughout his youth, he had a great love of the sea, and sailing. His other hobbies included painting, playing his guitar, singing, writing and fishing. John was a member of Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, The Knights of Columbus, Kappa Sigma Fraternity, The Brown Club of NYC, CASE, and NSFRE, AFRTA. He was on the board of the Hornell Area Chamber of Commerce, and a board member and Vice Chair of St. Ann's School in Hornell, NY. Surviving is his wife of 52 years, Sandra Shoop Riddiford, who he met at Brown University and married in New York City at St. Patrick's Cathedral, on August 6, 1959. Also surviving are his children; Susan Elizabeth Riddiford Shedd and her husband Christopher of Petersburg, PA, Philip Andrew Riddiford of Boalsburg, PA, Cynthia Christine France and her husband Brian of Centre Hall, PA and Stephanie Alexandra Riddiford of Seattle, WA. Also surviving are two grandchildren Allison Grace France and Benjamin John France. A mass will be held at the convenience of the family at Our Lady of Victory, State College, PA. Burial, with military honors, will be in the Boalsburg Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Saint Jude's Children's Hospital, 501 Saint Jude Place Memphis TN 38101 or to Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church at 820 Westerly Parkway, State College, 16801. Online condolences may be made at www.kochfuneralhome.com.