Vincent Ridikas

Vince Ridikas, beloved friend and Uncle, passed away, suddenly after a lengthy illness, Tuesday, March 18, 2025, in Erie PA. He was preceded in death by his parents Bernard and Bertha Ridikas, and sister Evelyn Delaney, all of the Philadelphia area, and his brother and sister-in law Robert and Dolores Ridikas, of Fayetteville, GA.

Vince was altruistic and big hearted to all in need, and a pillar of the Erie community for the last 55 years. Vince was born in Darby, Pa and graduated from Levittown High school in Willingboro, New Jersey where he served as volunteer fire fighter and took great joy in driving the fire trucks. Vince earned a degree in Electrical Engineering from Drexel University in Philadelphia in 1969. He went on to join Hughes Electronics, which led him to be a Pioneer in the early days of cable, founding Erie County Cable, one of several cable systems across the East coast which he developed. Radio stations were a natural addition including WDOE Dunkirk and WCQA Fredonia. After long successful stent in broadcasting, Vince turned his attention to Real Estate development with partner Jack Maloney of Hilton Head SC. He continued to participate and invest in many entrepreneurial projects throughout his life. Vince was a member of the Erie Yacht Club, the Erie Club, Pennsylvania Society and the Habeas Corpus Society. He previously served on the board of the Erie Humane Society and the Hamot Hospital Corporators.

Vince was an avid sailor, snow skier, cyclist and passionate about flying. His last airplane, an MU 2, was of special pride. He had a constant curiosity with an insatiable thirst for knowledge. If you were lucky enough to be a friend of Vince’s, you were a friend for life, and he was always ready to lend a hand.

Vince is survived by longtime partner Linda Phelps. They hold fond memories of time spent in Nantucket with family and friends and traveling throughout the Southwest. Additionally, Vince is survived by several nieces and a nephew including Judith Bingham, of Brooks, GA, Beth Ann Parker of Palm Coast, Fl, Sue Ferron of Seneca, MO, Robert Ridikas, of Griffin GA and Suzette Martella, of Ft. Mill, SC, as well as numerous great nieces and nephews.

Vince always held a special bond with Judith, who lived with him in her early formative years. A special thanks to the “Vincettes,” Sheliah Garhart, Kyle Williamson, Carolyn Kuhl and Mary Beth McMaster who took special interest in helping Vince the last few years in various ways. Additional support was provided by Jeanie Vaughn, Tom and Cathy Dolan and Shannon Egglestone. Vince continued to be active and engaging during a very trying time.

A Celebration of life will be held later this Spring.

Memorials may be made to the Barber National Institute, 100 Barber Place, Erie, PA 16507, and Orphan Angels Cat Sanctuary, 5439 W. Lake Rd., Erie, PA 16505.

Send condolences at www.BurtonQuinnScott.com.