Obituary of Charles G. Ridler Jr.

Charles Gilbert Ridler passed away on Saturday, April 27, 2019 at Elderwood of Lockport.  He was born in Buffalo on September 12, 1924 and was the son of the late  Charles "Gib" Ridler and Ella Amidon RIdler.  He was predeceased by his brother Edward.

Charles graduated from Bennett High School in Buffalo in 1942.  He also graduated from General Motors Institute in Flint, Michigan with a Bachelors Degree in Industrial Engineering in 1949.  He served in the U.S. Army occupation forces in Germany from 1945 to 1947.  Charles had a life-long career with the Harrison Radiator Division of General Motors in Lockport and Buffalo, where he worked in Industrial Engineering, Quality Control and Reliability.  He retired as a Superintendent of Inspection in 1985.

Charles was an active member of St. John the Baptist Church in Lockport, where he served as a Lector, Eucharistic Minister and a member of the funeral ministry team for many years.  He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and served as a Scout Master with the Boy Scouts. 

He met his dear wife Gretchen Foltz Ridler at the Harrison picnic in 1950 and they married the following year.  Together they enjoyed an active life, playing tennis, golf, bridge together and with their many friends.  They enjoyed travel and visited all 50 states and many places in Europe. Charles was an excellent and avid golfer, playing in leagues and with friends as often as possible.  He scored an impressive three holes in one over the years, an achievement of which he has very proud.

He was devoted to his wife and family. He spent many hours involved with his children's school and sports activities as they were growing up, and likewise participated in the lives of his grandchildren as they grew to adults.   He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Gretchen Foltz Ridler, his son Keith (Gregory Randall) of Grosse Pointe, Michigan; James (Joan) of Langhorne, Pennsylvania; his daughters Ann Strong (Frederick) of Lockport and Mary McIntosh (John "Jay") of Lockport.  He is also survived by ten grandchildren, Jennifer Diel, Shannon Maines (Drew), Frederick Strong (Chassity Rising), Brianne Strong, William Ridler, Brandon Ridler, Bridget Ridler, Sarah Ridler, Mallory McIntosh Frischholz (Peter) and John E. "Jed" McIntosh.  He is also survived by two great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be Tuesday April 30th 3-7PM at Prudden & Kandt Funeral Home, 242 Genesee Street, Lockport.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday May 1st at 10 AM at St. John the Baptist RC Church, 168 Chestnut Street, Lockport.  Memorial donations to the charity of one's choice would be appreciated.  Online Condolences at www.pruddenandkandt.com