Peter W. Ridley

Peter W. Ridley, 73, of Fayetteville passed away January 23, 2022. He was born May 3, 1948, in Auburn, the son of Stanley and Carol Ann Ridley. As a child, Peter enjoyed spending time at the family camp on Owasco Lake where he was fond of bike rides around the lake with friends, tending his father’s vegetable garden, boating, swimming, and family get-togethers. He also helped out in the family's paint store in Auburn.     

A lifetime resident of Central New York, Peter attended school both in Auburn and Moravia before enrolling at Syracuse University where he graduated with a degree in Chemical Engineering.

Peter met his wife Nancy on a ski trip while both were attending Syracuse University. After graduation, Peter served in the US Navy on the USS McCaffery, a destroyer that deployed to Vietnam. He and Nancy were married upon his return in 1973.

Peter worked as a chemical engineer at Anheuser-Busch for over 30 years, from 1983 until his retirement. While at Anheuser-Busch he won many awards, enjoyed traveling to other Anheuser-Busch breweries, seeing the Clydesdale horses, and was active in work golf leagues.

An avid Syracuse basketball fan and proud season ticket holder, he and Nancy enjoyed many trips to Manley Field House and The Dome for games.

Peter was a Boy Scout as a child and later on became a troop leader for his son, Vincent. He was a proud supporter of the long heritage of Girl Scouts in his family from his grandmother to his granddaughters.

Peter enjoyed swimming, golfing, and skiing. In his retirement, he found pleasure working in the yard (making sure every black walnut and leaf was picked up), shoveling snow, and tending the vegetable garden with Nancy.

Peter was very involved with his children and grandchildren, often attending dance recitals, swim meets, and soccer and basketball games and taking care of his granddaughter after school. Recently, Peter actively volunteered to support his daughter and son-in-law with their involvement in the Central New York Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society.

Peter was most happy when the family was together, especially summers at the family camp on Owasco Lake    

Peter is predeceased by his wife Nancy and brother-in-law James Tracy.  Peter is survived by his sister Molly Tracy; son Vincent (Kari); daughter Barbara (Tom) Pierson; three grandchildren Owen, Isabella, and Chloe; several nieces, nephews, and cousins; and his rescue cat Mack.

Calling Hours will be held on Friday, August 5, 2022 from 3-6 pm at Burns-Garfield Funeral Home 3175 East Genesee St. Syracuse followed by a Memorial Service with Military Honors at 6pm. 

 In lieu of flowers, donations in Peter’s memory may be made t o the CNY Cat Coalition or the Girl Scouts os NYPENN Pathways.