Dear John and family,

This is your cousin, Debbie Deitch Mason.  I was so saddened to learn of Uncle Jack's death. As you know, he lived with his Mother in my Dad's home, for a while when I was very young, in Gettysburg and I will always remember his energy, smile, positive attitude and big bear hugs ...as well as when he
picked me up and swung me around for fun. I was always disappointed that when I became an adult I was not able to stay in as close contact with him and his family as should have been.

You all are in my thoughts and prayers.  If the weather cooperates, I will try to come for the graveside services in Gettysburg on Friday.

In remembrance, your cousin, Debbie

John, although I haven't seen you or your Dad in quite a while as we traveled down separate road in life as time passed. I will never forget him though! I have so many fond memories of him growing up and even when you were a kid growing up. Unfortunately no one lives forever in this incarnation and i am sure he has transcended to a better place. But your Dad was always such a fun loving and funny guy. I remember the days in Gettysburg when he lived up stairs of Detches with my Granny Amy and worked at the College. Everyone loved him. Needless to say he was very popular on campus and off. He was just so easy going back then. And then I never forget when my dad and he got together and Dad encouraged him to come to New Jersey and coach with him. Those were great years and many great family times when you lived in Thorfare. They were very happy and successful together. Then my dad retired and he took over as head coach and had that incredible championship. I can guarantee you that he effected so many lives in a positive way as a coach and a teacher. He was a real friend to students and a great leader and motivator. I know my Dad loved him dearly and grieves his loss. He was a favorite Uncle. God bless him, you and your family. As I remember him, he lived life to the fullest and was giver and always sincere and to the point. You have a great Dad and his memory will live on. Nothing can bring him back, but know he is in a better place and his memory will live on as he effected so many young men's lives over the years. I am sorry I couldn't be at the funeral. Birth and death never come at a convenient time. I have a convention this week in Miami with 23,000 people in town who are depending on me, or I would have most definitely been there. All my best. Lets reconnect sometime in the near future.
Love and respect,
JR (JIM) Ridinger

Dear John,
I was surprised and saddened to hear about the death of your Dad. I can only imagine your profound grief. I pray that the Lord Jesus will comfort you and your children during this difficult time. I still remember Uncle Jack's charismatic smile and those cherub-like cheeks that went with his warm expression. I have fond memories of all the cousins, aunts, and uncles running around at the Deitch's in Gettysburg. My heart and prayers go out to you. Unfortunately I will not be able to attend. I will be thinking about you during the memorial and celebration of Jack's life.
Much love,
Robin Ridinger

Dear John,
Even though we haven't seen each other in years--and in certain ways I remember you best as baby Johnny Met, as your dad called you--I want you to know that I am very very saddened to hear about your dad's death. I remember Uncle Jack's husky cheerful voice, broad smile, ready football talk, and reassuringly solid, muscular build as he moved around the lawn engaging us children in kicks at the ball. I can see him, too, nodding to things that Grandma Ridinger was telling him, often stories about people in town, about whom he made good-natured quips. I remember too our overnight stay at your house in West Deptford during the Ridinger family reunion and what an affable host Uncle Jack was. I know how strong the shock of his being gone must be for you right now, John. My heart goes out to you. I know my parents (Uncle Phil and Aunt Jeanne) will be at the funeral, and I am sorry that I can't be there as well.

With love from Italy,
your cousin Gayle
with Olivia and Daniel

Thinking of you at this time.
May you find comfort and peace in your memories.
Lou and Michelle Rivera

Dear John,

We were shocked and deeply saddened to receive a note from Dick this afternoon about your father's death. Had we known earlier, we would have attended the service today. Jack was a good friend and colleague to both of us - going back to the G-burg days.  He was one of the really nice guys.  We regret that we saw so little of each other in the last few years.

Sam and I send our deepest sympathy to your and your sons. 
Nancy and Sam Young     

I was very sorry to learn of Mr. Ridinger's passing.  I would like to extend our condolences to his son, John, and his grandsons, Jay and Ryan.

Carol and Barrie Eberstein
Flemington, NJ

Jack was one of the best football coaches I ever worked with. Most of the line play I learned came from coaching with Jack. It was a great day for Collingswood when the Ridinger brothers arrived. Jack will be remembered as a fine gentleman. 

Best Wishes
Mike D'Alessandro

To the family of "Coach Jack",
For the past 10 years that I have worked at Collingswood HS Athletic Department, Coach Jack and the PE Staff have treated me with respect.
Coach Jack was a man I would do anything for on and off the job I had.
My family and I would like to pass on our condolences and our deep respect for what John Ridinger stood for.
David M. Sheehan
Maintenance Staff
June 1976 to September 1986  

Dear John,

     I was so very sorry to hear of your Dad's passing.  I met Jack at Gettysburg College.  We were together in our physical education classes, and good friends.  When I heard that he would be coming to Collingswood (my high school), I was glad to be able to work with him once again.  He was truly one of
the "good guys", a real gentleman, and a friend.  He will be missed.

Sincerely,
Barbara (Lee) Duus

To the Ridinger family,
 My condolences to your family in the loss of a wonderful man.  I had only begun to know John(Jack) through first seeing as a greeter at Walmart and having him as a customer at Citizens Bank on Lititz Pike where I am a teller.
He always had a friendly smile and I always enjoyed talking with him.  I sure he will be sorely missed.  I will certainly miss seeing him as well.

My Condolences to Coach Ridinger family, Coach Ridinger was a great influence in my high school days at Collingswood. He was a great person who had and understanding for all situations. He was number one in my book.
Best Regards
Lou Nuzzi Class of 68

To John and family,
I spent many holidays with you and your family from 1976 to 1988. I have warm remembrances of your dad's kind and friendly nature. I feel good to have been able to visit with you and other Ridinger's at your dad's service this past Thursday and remember him.
Terrie Harmer

Dear John, Richard and extended family,
I was so shocked and very sad to be told your father/brother passed away last week.  If I  had known, I, and many from our classmates from CHS '67, would have attended the services and celebration of his life.  A great man he was, always a smile and kind word for everyone he met.  I have many fond memories of Jack, from high school days, his fantastic football coaching for our winning team, and a friendship that continued for years.  He will be greatly missed by the CHS Class of 1967, but never forgotten.  May he rest in peace.
Doreen Clayton
CHS Class 1967

It is with great sadness that I read about Coach Jack's passing...he was instrumental in giving me great advice in my early years and taught me never to give up! It was a pleasure to be part of his great 1966 undefeated football team! I will never forget the lessons he imparted to us all...sincerely...Craig T Cobb Class of 1967

Dick: I was really saddened when I got the news of Jack's passing. We had so many good years at Colls. and the memories are lasting. You and your family are with us in
our thoughts and prayers--The Ridinger brothers brought so much credit the the Collingswood High School.
Sincerely, Ed Sandall

Dear John, Jay, and Ryan,

Sharon and I were out of town and we just found out about Coach Jack's passing.  We are truly saddened.  I consider it a real privilege to have played for him in 1960 at Gettysburg College.  I also thoroughly enjoyed being around him while coaching during the 90's at F & M.  My Gettysburg teammates and I have always remembered Coach Jack fondly and with a great deal of respect during our get-togethers.  You can be sure that you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Very sincerely,
Mark Snyder     

John,
I just got the news from today's Courier Post(Feb. 9) that your dad had passed away. I'm proud to say that he(and you) were instrumental to my coaching career, demonstrating a level of knowledge and skill perfection that I was able to pass on to many other athletes. Glad I had the chance to play golf with both of you that day in Millersville. Both he and you have left legacies in many parts of the country, through your athletic talents, coaching prowess, and, more importantly, your personal character. He's "home" now, and he's left you with big shoes to fill. I'm confident(and so is he) that you'll do just fine. It's been an honor and  a pleasure to have known your dad, as it has been with you. God bless you and your family.

Coach "B"

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