Obituary of Richard Robert Ridolfi

Richard Robert Ridolfi (Rick), 83, of Laguna Vista, TX, passed away on April 25, 2018 at his home.

Rick was born in Trenton, NJ to Lena and Benjamin Ridolfi on March 8, 1935. He attended Hamilton High School and graduated in 1953 and went on to attend Georgetown University where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from the University of Miami. He earned a Master’s degree in business management from the University of Southern California. In 1959, at the Harlingen Air base, Rick met and married his love, Gloria Moore of Brownsville and they enjoyed 58 exciting years together. Throughout his 25-year Air Force career, he proudly served our nation across the globe, during which he earned numerous awards and decorations including the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star and Meritorious Service Medal with one Oak leaf cluster. Rick retired from the Air Force in 1982 as a full Colonel and then began his own successful financial consulting practice in private industry.

Rick enjoyed gardening, traveling the world with his bride Gloria, and cocktail time with vodka martinis made by Bettina. He had a passion for the study of history and was a voracious reader. He proudly served the City of South Padre Island for seven years as a City Councilman and he was known for his strong support of the city staff, always working for their benefit.

Rick was a proud member of the Rotary Club of Port Isabel and Rotary International and he lived the motto “Service Above Self” throughout his life. He was a Four-time, Paul Harris Fellow and Paul Harris Society Member.

Rick is survived by his bride, Gloria, his daughter, Bettina, his brothers Joseph and Edward and his beloved cats, Amos and Ami.  He is preceded in death by his parents, Benjamin and Lena Ridolfi and his brother Benjamin.

Family will be receiving friends from 1pm to 2pm. with Funeral services to be held at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Port Isabel, TX on Thursday, May 3, 2018 at 2pm. Military honors will be conducted under the auspices of VFW Post 2035 under the command of Luis Lucio after the conclusion of the funeral services.

Burial will take place at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Rick’s name to the Laguna Madre Humane Society, 103 E. Maxan St., Port Isabel, TX 78578  The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Companion Sitter Services and Kindred Hospice.

You may sign the online guestbook, light a remembrance candle, or send words of comfort to the family of Richard Robert Ridolfi at www.thomaegarza.com.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to the care of Thomae-Garza Funeral Directors and Crematorium, 395 S. Sam Houston, San Benito, Texas, (956) 399-1331