The family of one of the victims of last week’s mass shooting at the Washington Navy Yard has established a fund to help the man’s children with college and other expenses.
Richard “Mike” Ridgell, 52, was one of twelve people killed on Sep. 16.
Speaking with Homicide Watch DC, Ridgell’s widow said her husband loved the military and loved his job working at Washington’s Navy Yard as a security guard.
“He wished he served his country,” said Tracey Ridgell. “We feel that he did.”
Mike Ridgell is also remembered as a softball coach to his three daughters. For the past two years, Ridgell’s team won the Westminster Jaycees Girls Softball league championship.
The family hopes that the Ridgell Children Memorial Fund will help manage college costs for Ridgell’s daughters. Tracey Ridgell’s sister, Lisa Picciotto, established the fund at PNC bank.
Ridgell’s youngest daughter, 17-year-old Madison Ridgell, will be applying to college soon. Megan Ridgell, 19, currently attends Elizabethtown College, studying psychology and social work. Eldest daughter, Heather Ridgell Hunt, is paying back college loans, the girls’ mother said.
She added that the fundraising could provide support for other life expenses as well.
“Who knows, maybe even weddings,” Tracey Ridgell said, “Things that a father would typically help provide.”
Donations to the fund can be made at any PNC Bank branch location or by check mailed to:
Ridgell Children Memorial Fund
C/O PNC Bank
2325 Hanover Pike
Hampstead, MD 21074
For questions about how to donate at the various branch locations, contact the Hampstead branch at (410) 374-1325.
