John Richardson Claridge

John Richardson Claridge, age 88, of Erie, died on July 15, 2015, at home, surrounded by family. He was born in Matane, Canada, on November 22, 1926, the son of the late Bertram and Helen Claridge. The family moved to the United States when John was 12 years old.

After being home schooled, John graduated from Appleby College in Oakville, Ontario, Canada. He served in the U.S. Navy before graduating from Yale University, Class of 1949, with a B.A. in history. He also attended Case Western for graduate work. John worked at Hammermill Paper Company before entering the faculty at Penn State Behrend, where he also became the Dean of Faculty. He later became the Director of the Erie Historical Society and the Preservation Society of Pennsylvania. He wrote several books, including Lost Erie and Landscapes for Eternity, both of which chronicled local history and preservation.

He was very active in the Erie community as President of the Erie Philharmonic and the Erie Club. He was secretary and longstanding member of The Torch Club of Erie, and was also involved with Asbury Woods, Northern Ohio Dressage Association (NODA) and their Century Club, and the Erie Art Museum. He was a former member of Kahkwa Club. After watching his children ride horses competitively for years, his passion for riding took off and he had a special relationship with his horse Tic Toc.

John is survived by his wife of 61 years Gay; his three children: Geoffrey Claridge of Erie, Elizabeth Claridge of Tucson, Ariz., and Anne (Scott) Roberts of Hamilton, Mass.; and four grandchildren, Briton Claridge, Cody Kinney, and Eliza and Anna Roberts. He is further survived by his sister, Dorothea (Daff) (Frederick) Murray of Erie.

Friends are invited to call on the family at the Burton Westlake Funeral Home, 3801 W. 26th St. (at Powell Ave.), on Saturday from 1 p.m. until the time of the service at 2 p.m., with Deacon Anthony Alleruzzo officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 2115 W. 38th St., Erie, PA 16508. Send condolences at www.BurtonFuneralHome.com.

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