John A. Bridgins, age 62 Business Executive, Formerly of Springfield John A. Bridgins, 62 of Alexandria, VA died suddenly in his home on January, 20 2014. John was the son of the late James and Jane Bridgins. Survivors: He was the devoted father of Sarah Bridgins and beloved brother of Susan Bridgins Hurwitz and Peter Bridgins. He will be remembered for his easy going nature and love for others. John was the President and CEO of J. H. Bridgins & Associates, a prominent Virginia -based Manufacturers Representative firm in the Foodservices industry. He graduated from Springfield High School and, after completing his education at Temple University, He entered the Foodservice Industry and spent his entire career with the company founded by his father. An acknowledged industry leader, John was elected president of the Manufacturers Agents Association for the Foodservice Industry (MAFSI) comprising of nearly 2,000 sales representatives nationwide. He was an avid sailor, car enthusiast and gourmet chef, as well as a passionate traveler. Funeral Service: Wednesday, January 29th, 11:00 a.m., in Springfield Presbyterian Church, 365 Summit Road, Springfield, PA., where relatives and friends may call after 10:00 a.m. Donations: In his honor may be made to Oceana (www.oceana.org) Arrangements: By FRANK C. VIDEON , BROOMALL

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Published by The Daily Times from Jan. 22 to Jan. 23, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for John Bridgins

Sponsored by Susan & Michael.

38 Entries

Peter Hollinshead

February 11, 2014

I was surprised and deeply saddened to learn from my father of the sudden passing of my longtime great and loyal friend, John Bridgins. John and I were classmates in Springfield from middle school through high school graduation. We also grew up together in the Sunday school and various youth programs of the First Presbyterian Church. I always greatly appreciated his easy manner and engaging sense of humor. We shared a number of interests including an appreciation of interesting cars. His steadfast loyalty as a friend was further demonstrated when he assisted me with the local campaign for Jimmy Carter in 1976, taking over the canvassing of a Springfield precinct. More recently, he made certain that my parents knew that he had seen me in a documentary on our Camp Jeep owner event for the Jeep brand. With his great personality and solid personal integrity, it is not a surprise to me that he rose to the top of his industry. John's professional accomplishments and dynamic life are also fitting tributes to his late and magnificent parents. John set an example for all of us who remain of a life well-led. With the passing of years and the separation of miles, I regret that I never seized the chance to tell John how much I appreciated him.

Walt Goettman

February 6, 2014

John

RIP

Best

Walt

Jan Ashton

January 28, 2014

John was a lovely man, a true gentleman. He'd be in high spirits at trade shows and meetings, and loved to talk about his daughter, Sarah. I'm so glad I caught up with him a year or so ago. He will be missed.

Russell Stilwell

January 28, 2014

I have known and worked with John for over 25 years. He was indeed one of the kindest and easy going people I have ever had the pleasure to call a friend. In business, he was an honest soft sell,,, in friendship, he was generous and caring to me and to my family. I am very sad at his passing and sad I did not spend more time with him on the this earth. I hope to see you in the next. Love and sympathy to Sarah and the family...
Cindy and Russell Stilwell

LUKE

January 28, 2014

John , you will be missed . Next time we meet up lets just show up at some party and act like we know everyone there, have a good time and leave , soon as they start asking who are those guys anyway ? That was always fun and a great idea . John thank you for all the good times . Peace Luke ( springfield , pa always in my mind )

Patty March

January 27, 2014

I was deeply saddened by the news of John's passing. I have many fond memories of John, growing up in Springfield, First Pres, The Hang, our recent beach trip...John was always so much fun, and such a caring dad. My heart felt condolences and prayers are with Sarah, Sue, and family.

January 27, 2014

John,
I will miss you. I know you knew I loved your wit, quick smile, and sense of humor. Anyone who could sell Cutco Knives to all the Moms of our generation had to be able to make it in the hospitality industry! "Cut the penny through the neck of Lincoln; it's the thinnest part."
I remember the days of our past. We explored the church you will be eulogized in during its construction; we climbed in the steeple before it was even erected! We sledded down "suicide hill" at that same church every time it snowed.
We laughed always. We had wonderful times together, and these times are what I will remember always.
God speed, John Bridgins!
~Alan Mount

Blake Holman

January 27, 2014

John was a really nice guy with a great spirit about him, and I will certainly miss him. Aside from talking about foodservice equipment business (which is how I know him) we discussed what was going in the celebrity news out here in L.A. He really enjoyed some of the stories I would tell him about when I met celebrities around here, and all the crazy stuff that showed up in the local news. My condolences to the family.

Jane Sharp

January 27, 2014

My condolences to Sarah, other family members and John's many friends. Although John and I were neighbors since 1984, I didn't really get to know him until the last ten years (after I retired), when we'd often be coming and going at the same time and stop to chat. We had several mutual interests, current events prominent among them. Our conversations were lively and John's awareness of what was going on and its significance in the scheme of things filled gaps in my fund of information and memory. Our discussions even helped me try to accept the fact that some things aren't worth getting worked up about. John was a calming influence indeed.

In my mind's eye, I see John setting out on his morning walk with Ali, the family's late Chihuahua; and then I see him arriving at our annual Halloween potluck wearing a massive gorilla's head and proffering a very large pie. Do I miss him? You bet. Will Halloween ever be the same? Never.

Kevin Clark

January 27, 2014

Even though we hadn't worked together for many years, whenever we saw each other at industry events, John always went out of his way to say hello and inquire about myself and my family. One of the great joys of working in our industry is that we get to work with caring professionals that become friends over the years. John was one of those caring, outstanding individuals that have helped make our industry great. He will be missed.

January 26, 2014

Sarah, So sorry for your loss. Thinking of you Susan Doucette Muratore

January 26, 2014

John,
You left this earth way too soon and I feel like a better person having known you. You were so smart and fun to hang out with. I miss you already.
Jannie

Ben Curtis

January 26, 2014

John you were a very special friend. You always had a positive outlook on life. I'm so glad we got to see you at the 40ish class reunion. I'll never forget our days at Scotties Hamburgers, the Hang, and the Austin Healy. You were a gem. God Bless you my friend. You will be sorely missed.

Art Sulzer

January 26, 2014

Deepest sympathies to the Bridgins family. John was the first friend I made when we moved to Springfield in 1960. We shared many adventures as only 4th and 5th grade boys can, moved on to the Boy Scouts and High School with our friends Ben,Tom and Jim. Later in life we shared a few beers when I was in the DC area reminiscing about those early adventures. The Bridgins lived up the street from my parents on Beatty Rd, I would stop on occasion and catch up on John from Jim or Jane his parents when I saw them out and about their yard.
As many have posted a good friend in his own quite way, you will be missed.

Larry Hill

January 26, 2014

John and I shared a friendship that lasted 28 years and seemed to grow every year. I met John when I first started in the foodservice industry and learned so much from him. He had a true love of this industry, and all the people in his world. He was a devoted Father to his daughter. He is missed by all who knew him and my heart and goes out to his family at this time.

John Alexander

January 25, 2014

John, Was the first Rep. that I made my first purchase from as a purchasing agent with E.B.Adams Co. of Washington D.C. John was the best in his business. John W. Alexander

Ed Heina

January 25, 2014

As we all go through life we meet many people and once in a while you get very lucky...I have known and worked with John since the late 70's and early on I found he and his family were wonderful people. How sad to lose such a good friend so early in life. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his daughter and to Collin Bridgins.

January 24, 2014

I have known John for many years. He will be missed.

David Marjon and Family

Henry Arrington

January 24, 2014

John was my encyclopedia. If I needed to know something about a product, his line or a competitor's, John knew the answer. A truly descent man, we are all a lot richer to have known him.
Rest In Peace, with God, John.
Henry Arrington

MJH

January 24, 2014

John was a unique individual whose passion for life and love for his fellow man were remarkable. John could always find the silver lining in every cloud, a thoughtful equitable solution to every problem and could light a dark room with his bright smile and infectious laugh. John Bridgins was a complete "mensch" and I loved him and will miss him very much.

David & Michele Lane

January 24, 2014

John always had a kind word or smile. He'd share information of common interest with fun gentle enthusiasm. He was genuine and warm and we were lucky to have such a good neighbor. G-d bless him. We will miss him. Our thoughts are with his daughter and family.

Rev. 21:3, 4 ~ Kim

January 24, 2014

Please accept my deepest sympathies.

Pete Wilson

January 23, 2014

My condolences to Johns family and friends. The news of his passing was surprising and very sad. John was always a straight shooter and true professional always willing to help. His infectious laugh is what I'll remember and miss the most. RIP

January 23, 2014

My condolences goes out to the family during this difficult time. May you all find comfort by drawing close to God during this difficult time. James 4:8

Shaun Gallagher

January 23, 2014

My thoughts and Prayers for the Bridgins family. John always had a smile on his face and was always ready to helpout whenever asked. He will always be remembered for his kind heart and gentle spirit. God Bless

Jim & Karen Schrader

January 23, 2014

We are so sorry to hear of John's passing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to John's family. May your faith keep you strong and your memories make you smile.

Peter Huebner

January 23, 2014

Gone way too soon my friend - I will miss your smile and infectious laugh

Bill McCoy

January 23, 2014

My condolences to John's family and friends. May your hearts be comforted by God's promise of eternal life, and the knowledge that John has been reunited with those he loved, in the presence of God. Let us remember and celebrate John's life together.

January 23, 2014

My deepest sympathy to John's family for this sudden loss. A professional through and through but his smile and laugh, unique to John, will be sorely missed. God rest his soul.
George Stamos

January 23, 2014

My sincere condolences to the family for the loss of your love one. May prayers strengthen you and memories comfort you. May our Lord Jesus Christ and God our Father, who loves us, comfort your hearts and make you firm. (2 Thessalonians 2:16,17)

January 23, 2014

John You were a wonderful person a nd a friend. You will be missed. May God bless you and keep you safe.

Charles Dolak

January 23, 2014

John was a good friend. We owned a boat together and had a lot of fun sailing adventures. We talked often about our business and the industry. We watched the Eagles play off games together we laughed together. I will miss John
Bill Horn

Mary Toomey

January 23, 2014

Your presence will be missed at Adams-Burch

Don Parkinson

January 23, 2014

Very sad day to get this news. Fine man and a fine gentleman. "Easy-going nature" couldn't describe him better. He will be missed.

January 23, 2014

John was a competitor, a colleague, a mentor, a friendly face, but most of all a great friend who I will miss dearly and think of often.

Glenn M Chamberlain

January 23, 2014

John was a good friend to me and to the industry. Remember all the good and happy times you shared with him and it will help you through the days ahead. My deepest sympathies to you and your family. Glenn

Jim Hoffman

January 23, 2014

John was a good friend and respected leader in our industry. John was an influential mentor and was willing to share his industry knowledge to me as I was learning the business. His warming sense of humor is what I will miss the most. God Bless and rest in peace!

Michael Miguelez

January 23, 2014

To one of my closest friends in the Foodservice Industry. I will always remember the fun we had during Show Season when the Reps would enjoy each other's company each night after the local Show and our weekly phone and text message exchanges to discuss business ventures or sports. Most of all, I will cherish our friendship over the past 2o years. Rest in Peace my friend.

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