Thomas Acklin Ridge

Thomas Acklin Ridge, 79, died unexpectedly on Sunday, June 3, 2018, while vacationing in North Carolina with his wife. He was born on September 29, 1938, in Washington, a son of the late Thomas and Merle Davidson Ridge. Mr. Ridge was a graduate of Centerville High School, and received his Bachelor of Science Degree and subsequently his Master of Education Degree, from California University of Pennsylvania. He was a veteran of the United States Air Force. Tom was an educator, who taught Industrial Arts and Tech Ed at Washington High School for thirty-five years.  His colleagues respected and enjoyed working with him, and his students speak fondly of their time spent in his classrooms. He was a member of many organizations, which included his services as President of Washington Education Association and President of the Pennsylvania Technology Association. A lifelong runner, he was a private pilot, an avid reader, and a racing fan, of all types of auto racing, including Indy Car and NASCAR.  In his spare time, he meticulously built and remodeled houses.  Tom loved life, and was passionate about his family, traveling, especially to the beach, and his dog, Milo.  His enthusiasm for any topic he spoke with you about, and his ever-present smile, were infectious.  On May 4, 1985, he married George Ann Goff, who survives. Also surviving are a son, Tim Ridge, of Washington; a daughter, Rebecca (Jon) Fischer, of Sarver; a brother, John (Judy) Ridge, of Washington; a sister, Judy Cook, of Washington; two grandchildren, Jordan and Lauren Fischer; nieces and nephews, Chris Cook, Jon Ridge and Sarah Westfall.  Friends will be received on Thursday, June 7, 2018, from 5 until 8 p.m., in the William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Ave., Washington, PA., where additional visitation will be held on Friday, June 8, 2018, from 11 a.m. until 12 p.m., the time of services, with Ed Sukel officiating. Lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Washington Area Humane Society, P.O. Box 66, Eighty-Four, PA 15330, or the Citizen’s Library, 55 South College St., Washington, PA 15301.