Donald H. Ridlon, 74, passed away on Monday, Dec. 4 while visiting his daughter in Palm Bay, Fla. He was the husband of the late Shirley L. (Abbott) (Savage) Ridlon.
Born in Haverhill on October 9, 1943, he was the son of the late Percy L. and Pearl J. (Jones) Ridlon.
Ridlon was educated in Haverhill and at the age of 17 enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps where he served honorably until his discharge as Lance corporal in 1964. His career as a truck driver spanned 40 years. He drove for Penn Box in Plaistow and continued as a private contract owner before retiring in 2009. He was a life member of AMVETS, Post No. 147, life member of Crescent Yacht Club, member of Lorraine Post No. 29, VFW, and member of the American Legion. He enjoyed camping, boating, riding his motorcycle and working around his home.
Ridlon is survived by his daughters, Sonja Krebs and her husband Michael of Palm Bay, Fla., Donna Howarth of Pittsburg, N.H.; sons, John C. Savage of Pelham, N.H., John Danforth and his wife Heather of Sandown, N.H.; grandchildren, Donald “DJ” Leathers, Maegan Leathers, Jared Leathers, Jonathan C. Savage, Bradley Howarth, Alicia Howarth, sisters, Charlotte Batchelder and her husband Daniel of South Carolina, Carol Rogers and her husband William of Haverhill and several nieces and nephews. Ridlon was the brother of the late Lewis H. Ridlon.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral on Tuesday, Dec. 12 at 10 a.m. at Dole, Childs & Shaw Funeral Home, 148 Main St. Haverhill. Calling hours are Monday, Dec. 11 from 4 to 7 p.m. Burial, with full military honors and weather permitting, at Hillside Cemetery.