Richard “Rich” Charles Ridgway

Richard “Rich” Charles Ridgway, 81, of Bloomsburg, PA, passed away at home on April 28, 2026.

Born on September 2, 1944, in Bloomsburg, PA to the late Robert F. and Elma (Little) Ridgway, he graduated from Southern Columbia High School and later went on to attend Penn State University. He moved to New York City where he started his career in the restaurant business at Stouffer’s Restaurant and met his wife, Mary. He and Mary moved to Bloomsburg in 1980 and opened Ridgway’s Restaurant, which they ran for 26 years. Rich was a true entrepreneur also owning Twin Bridges Storage, several residential real estate properties, and the popular Coconut Grove fair stand. Rich was honored to have been elected and serve as a Scott Township Supervisor and 12 years as Columbia County Commissioner. He was also a life member of the Bloomsburg Elks Lodge #436, member of the American Legion Post 273, and served in the Pennsylvania National Guard.

Rich is survived by his wife, Mary Fleckenstine Ridgway, with whom he celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary on February 23, 2026; three daughters: Jessica Alvarez, and her husband, Leo, Annandale, VA, Samantha Ridgway, Arlington, VA, Lindsay Ciampi, and her husband, Bernie, Berwick; four grandchildren: Lenna Ciampi, Joey Ciampi, Grant Alvarez, and Genevieve Alvarez; a sister, Sally Morrison, Bloomsburg; a sister-in-law, Shirley Ridgway, Bloomsburg. He was preceded in death by his brother, Robert “Bob” Ridgway.

In honor of Rich’s wishes, no funeral service will be held. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial donations to Scott Township for park and recreation improvements. Checks may be made payable to Scott Township with a memo for Park Donations and sent to 350 Tenny Street, Bloomsburg, PA 17815.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Dean W. Kriner, Inc., Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 325 Market St., Bloomsburg.