Steve Ridarsky

BOARDMAN - A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday at noon at St. Luke Church for Steve J. Ridarsky, 98, who died Monday at home.

Steve was born Aug. 31, 1919, in Youngstown, the son of Michael and Susan (Behun) Ridarsky.

He was a 1937 graduate of South High School and enlisted in the U.S. Army after graduation. Steve served his country during World War II in the 101st Airborne Unit. During his time in the Army, he fought in Normandy, Rhineland, Northern France, Central Europe and Ardennes, and received many accolades, including the Bronze Star Medal, Good Conduct Distinguished Unit Badge, European, African, Middle Eastern Service Medal with five Bronze Stars and the Bronze Arrowhead.

For 54 years, Steve worked along side his brothers as a business owner and mechanic for Ridarsky’s Service Center. Steve’s profession was his hobby and he was always willing to help a friend when needed.

His wife, the former Agnes Reilly, whom he married Oct. 12, 1946, died Nov. 19, 1983.

Steve is survived by his daughter, Michele (Robert) Papa, of Austintown; two granddaughters, Nicole (Tim) Fryfogle and Stephanie (James II) Sobien; and seven great-grandchildren, Hannah, Andrew, Matthew, Candence, Xander, Devin and Jayme Jo.

He was also preceded in death by his parents; daughter Deborah Ridarsky; brothers Michael, Andrew and Paul Ridarsky; and sisters Mary Peskor and Susan Hripko.

Family and friends may call Thursday from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. at the church.

Burial will take place at Calvary Cemetery, where Military Honors will be celebrated by the V.F.W. Post 9571 of Ellsworth.

The family has requested that material tributes take the form of donations to Akron Children’s Hospital, 6505 Market St. Boardman, OH 44512 or to Angels for Animals, 4750 W. South Range Road, Canfield, OH 44406.

Professional arrangements are being handled by the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Austintown Chapel.