Ridolph, Joseph W. (Bill) of Miami Lakes passed from the earth on February 28, 2013 after a long battle with Parkinson’s and Lewy Bodies Disease. Bill leaves behind his beloved wife Conni, who he often referred to as “my wife, my life” or as “my bride, my pride.” They had been soul mates in life as they will in the hereafter. Bill and Conni have been happily married since December 21, 1986.
Bill also leaves behind son Gregory (Laurel) of Tampa, Florida, daughters Cathy of Davie, Florida, and Laurie of Nashville, Tennessee, his brother Ed (Sara) of Lake Worth, Florida, his grandchildren Kaitlyn, Alexis, Dylan, and Logan, nephew Douglas James, and nieces Linda, Susan, Shelly, Margaret, Jenna, Lilly, and Claire.
Those who knew Bill will remember his fast clever wit that made everyone around him laugh. Yet he also liked challenges that required thinking out of the box. He loved the oldies (50’s and 60’s) music, and he was a noted authority on old time rock and roll. In addition, Bill loved to swing dance.
Bill managed to work out four days a week, and as an avid sportsman, he enjoyed snow skiing and scuba diving. He also played slow pitch softball in Dade County for over 30 years starting at the Benny Babcock Park where he worked as a recreation leader in the early 60’s. While playing in the initial flag football league with the City of Miami, Fireman team mate Jerry Camp nicknamed him “crazy legs,” a name that still sticks.
Bill was an active member of his community. He was a member of Hialeah/Miami Springs Rotary as well as the Dade/Broward March of Dimes where he was awarded the Order of the Battered Boot. He was also a long time member of the Miami Association of Food Trade where he served a year term as President, assisting the organization as it awarded college scholarships to students in Dade and Broward counties. Bill also enjoyed working with his high school alma mater (Miami Jackson Class of 1960) where he served on every reunion committee except one and served as Chairman of three reunions.
Bill and Conni enjoyed traveling all over the world with Moorea in the Tahitian Islands as their favorite destination.
Suggested donations or memorials may be made to the Parkinson Foundation at University of Miami/Jackson Hospital or Vitas Hospice at New Smyrna Beach. A memorial service and celebration of Bill’s life will be held at a later date.
Today and always, may loving memories bring you peace, comfort, and strength. I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Penny Heines
May he rest in Peace and May you Conni cherish all the lovely memories you have of him and your life together,
Maryann Nolan -Jackson 1960
What a beautiful life story and tribute to Bill. I enjoyed reading more about him and your lives together. So many beautiful and wonderful memories you made. I know they will bring you much comfort in the days ahead. We should all be so lucky to enjoy the life partner and love you found in Bill. XO
Love you!
Bill with friend and family
Bill with Kids
Bill with mom
Bill's Grandchildren
Bill and Conni Wedding
Bill at Vicki's Wedding
Ski trip with good friends
Bill with the guys at Casey's house
Bill Conni Molly Pepper
Bill in the Keys
Bill and Laurie
Joe Willy
Bill With Ed and Sara
Bill and Cathy
Bill and Conni
Bill and Conni 2
Bill and Greg
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.