Coleman M Ridge, age 83, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family, on Thursday, August 6th. He was the loving husband of Judy A (Parker) Ridge, with whom he shared 38 years.

Coleman was born October 3, 1942, in Newton Massachusetts, to Mary (Walsh) Ridge and Joseph Ridge.

He was the loving stepfather of Laura Fiore and her partner, Dan Garvey of Kingston, MA and Donald D Clark IV and his wife, Cathy of Clinton, CT. He was the loving grandfather of Anthony Fiore and his wife, Courtney; Dominic Fiore and his girlfriend, Lydia; Maria Fiore her boyfriend, Joe; Donald D Clark V and his wife, Cara; and Emily Clark and her fiancé Justin. He was the proud great-grandfather of Savanna and Donald D Clark VI and Dawson and Sadie Fiore. Coleman treasured his role as “Grumpy” to his grandchildren and great grandchildren, and they adored him in return.

Coleman leaves behind his brother, Martin Ridge, and his wife, Lynda of Phoenix AZ, as well as many cherished nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers James Ridge, Kieran Ridge, John Ridge and his sisters Mary (Ridge) Beissner and Margaret (Ridge) Pappas.

Coleman took great pride in his Irish heritage and loved sharing stories of his family and their history in Galway, Ireland and their early years in Newton.

Coleman graduated from Newton High School before attending Boston College, where he earned a bachelor’s degree and became a CPA. As a young man, Coleman spent most days working as a golf caddy at Brae Burn Country Club, in Newton where he made lifelong friends and developed industry connections that lead to his first professional position as a financial auditor with the firm Peat, Marwick, Mitchell & Co.

He went on to serve as CFO at several Massachusetts hospitals, including Norfolk County Hospital, Worcester City Hospital, and Good Samaritan Hospital. Judy and Coleman spent eight years in El Cajon California, where he managed a large medical practice before returning to Newton for the arrival of their grandchildren.

Beneath his serious demeanor was a sweet and loving man who appreciated the simple pleasures in life. Coleman loved gardening and spent countless hours in his yard, adding to his extensive flower beds. He took great care of the backyard birds, providing them with multiple birdhouses and plenty of food.

Together with Judy, he enjoyed summer concerts at Tanglewood, many fourth of July celebrations on the esplanade in Boston, annual summer trips to Ogunquit Maine, walks along the Marginal Way and long weekends in Chatham. They loved traveling both locally and abroad and shared many special memories over the years, including a memorable trip to Paris with his stepdaughter and granddaughter for his 70th birthday.

Coleman will be remembered for his quiet strength, his love of family, his pride in his Irish roots, and countless stories and memories he shared with those around him. Most of all he will be deeply missed by Judy, his family and the grandchildren and great-grandchildren who lovingly knew him as “Grumpy.”

A private celebration of life will be held for family at a later date.