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Jay David Aldridge

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Beaver Area High School

Jay Aldridge Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jul. 22, 2025.

Jay David Aldridge

May 17, 1930 - July 1, 2025

Jay David Aldridge, age 95, passed away peacefully on July 1, 2025, at his home in Port Charlotte, Florida, with his son David and caregiver Joan Alexander by his side.

He is lovingly remembered by his four children: Jayne A. Nickell of Marietta, GA; Jyll A. (Brian) Lilly of Evergreen, CO; Diann A. Corll of Mars, PA; and David B. Aldridge of Bangkok, Thailand. He also leaves behind three cherished grandchildren-David A. Lilly of Evergreen, CO; Andrew T. Lilly of Chicago, IL; and Austin A. Corll of Westview, PA-and three great-grandchildren.

Born in Beaver, Pennsylvania on May 17, 1930, Jay was the son of Clara (Barnes) and Jay Jackson Aldridge. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 58 years, Patricia A. Aldridge, who passed away in 2013.

Jay was a trailblazer in economic development and played a pivotal role in Pittsburgh's evolution from a steel town to a modern center for innovation. As founding President of Penn's Southwest Association, he helped attract over 500 companies to the region.

During his teenage years, Jay spent several summers working in a steel mill, an experience that allowed him to connect with people from all walks of life. A graduate of Geneva College with a degree in Industrial Engineering, Jay remained deeply committed to education throughout his life. He served on the boards of several higher education institutions and lectured around the world-from Japan and China to Thailand-earning honorary doctorates from Waynesburg University and Dalian Institute of Technology. He was also the first Citizen Chairman to the UN Development Commission in Zurich.

Jay's dedication extended beyond business to community service. He contributed to numerous boards including UPMC, Carnegie Science Center, Japan-America Society of Pennsylvania (JASP), British-American Business Council, Carnegie Science Center, and the Pittsburgh Technology Council (where he was a co-founder). His international work extended to serving on company boards in Switzerland and China. Even into his early 90s, he volunteered with SCORE and served as an officer at the Charlotte Harbor Yacht Club. Jay was a resident of Port Charlotte, Florida, but he also enjoyed spending time with family and friends in St. Simons, Georgia, Colorado, Pittsburgh, and Volant, Pennsylvania.

A casual reception to celebrate Jay's life will be hosted by the family at the Duquesne Club in Pittsburgh on August 9, 2025, from 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM. Friends, colleagues, and acquaintances are warmly invited to attend. To assist with planning, we kindly request that those interested in attending confirm their participation by emailing [email protected]. Invitations and additional details will be provided upon registration.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Geneva College Foundation (Beaver Falls) or First Presbyterian Church (FPC) Punta Gorda in memory of Jay D. Aldridge.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.