Russell L. Ridd

Russell L. Ridd, 92, of Honesdale, PA, died Wednesday, July 13, at home. He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, the former Evelyn Noble.

Russell was born on November 22, 1929, the son of Russell G. and Edith Marshall Ridd. He enjoyed a country boyhood on the family farm in Dyberry Township and received his early education in a one-room school. Russell graduated from Honesdale High School in 1947. He was activated in the Pennsylvania National Guard in August 1950 and graduated OCS in 1951 with a commission of 2nd lieutenant. He served with the 25th Infantry Division in Korea. Afterward, Russell returned to the National Guard. He was promoted to the rank of Captain and served as Commander of Co. H 109th Infantry. He retired from military service in 1955.

Russell began a celebrated banking career at Wayne Bank in 1963. During his 44-year tenure, Russell rose through the ranks at Wayne Bank, from his beginnings as teller to his eventual roles as President and CEO and later Chairman of the Board. Under his stewardship, the bank’s assets grew substantially, facilities were expanded and upgraded, and new community offices were established.

Ever conscious of the community in which he lived, Russell started the bank’s Maple Tree Program, which aspired to restore the number of healthy maple trees in the borough of Honesdale. He was a past master of the Pleasant Valley Grange, he served on the Honesdale Consolidated School Board, and he was a member of the Honesdale Booster Club, the Honesdale Lions Club, the Honesdale Golf Club, and the Delaware Hills Hunting Club. Russell belonged to the American Legion and was an honorary life member of Honesdale Protection Fire Company #3. He was a founding trustee, volunteer, and past Chairman of the Board of the Dorflinger-Suydam Wildlife Sanctuary and a member and trustee of the Honesdale Country Club. Russell served on the board of trustees at Honesdale’s First Presbyterian Church. He worked at numerous bloodmobiles as an American Red Cross volunteer, and for more than 20 years he was president and chairman of the Minor Library Fund.

Russell and his wife, Evelyn, were awarded the Wayne County Community Foundation Ben Franklin Service Award in 2007.

In addition to Evelyn, Russell is survived by a proud and grateful family: his son Peter and his wife, Barbara; his daughter Marianne Daniels and her husband, Michael; his son John and his wife, Shauna; his son James and his wife, Christine; and his daughter Martha and her companion, Barbara Robuck. Russell’s grandchildren include Casey McGhie (Rory), Russell Ridd (Molly), Ryan Daniels (Emily), Steven Daniels (Ali), Susanna Arnone (Joe), John Michael Ridd, Joel Ridd, Molly Ridd, and Lilly Ridd; and his great-grandchildren are Cooper and Rylee McGhie, Leo Ridd, Vada and Maya Daniels, Russell Daniels, and Vitale Arnone. Russell is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews on both sides of the family.

Russell’s life was one of service, integrity, and humility. He was a born naturalist, a meticulous carpenter, a lifelong patriot, and an excellent cook. He had a special talent with people, always treating others with courtesy and respect. Despite his many accomplishments and accolades, Russell remained altruistic and unassuming. Those who loved him will miss his ready smile, his thoughtful ways, his wealth of knowledge, and his optimism, and they will forever be guided and enriched by the clear moral compass that he embodied.

A private service for Russell will be held at the convenience of the family. Interment will be in the East Dyberry Cemetery. Arrangements by Hessling Murray Funeral Home, 428 Main St. Honesdale.

Donations in Russell’s memory may be made to the Wayne County Community Foundation.