Stephen Schley Ridgely Jr.

Stephen Schley Ridgely, Jr.
Oct. 9, 1920 - Oct. 17, 2011
Resident of Los Gatos
Steve died peacefully in Los Gatos a week after his 91st birthday.He was born in Baltimore, Maryland to Catherine and Stephen Ridgely, Sr. After spending his childhood in Baltimore he attended Charlotte Hall Military Academy in Southern Maryland and graduated in 1938.
He traveled with his dad for a year after graduation and the family moved to San Francisco where he started college. He joined the Army Air Force in 1942 and served until 1946 when he went back to college at San Jose State. He received a Master's degree in English and started his teaching career at Live Oak High School in Morgan Hill, CA. After six years he returned to school at Trinity College, University of Dublin, Ireland, where he studied Shakespeare and taught American Literature.
When he returned from Ireland he taught one semester at James Lick High School and then he started his 25 years as a Los Gatos High School English teacher.
He and Dolores, also a teacher, spent summers traveling throughout the United States, Canada and Europe.
Steve had many interests. He loved teaching, reading, Civil War and WWII history, traveling, skiing at Squaw Valley, sailing in Santa Cruz, walking in Vasona Park, attending Shark's hockey games, Los Gatos football, and living in the hills of Los Gatos.
He leaves his wife of 62 years, Dolores. Also, a nephew, John. He was pre-deceased by his brother, John and his parents.
He also leaves many caring and loving family members who have been so helpful and kind. Their visits to Steve these last several months were much appreciated.
Services will be held at Darling Fischer Chapel of the Hills in Los Gatos on Saturday, October 22, 2011 at 11:00 am. Donations may be made to the Nature Conservancy, 4245 N. Fairfax Drive, Arlington, VA 22203 or Second Harvest Food Bank, 750 Curtner Avenue, San Jose, CA 95125.