1935
Harold
2025
Harold H. Riddell
September 7, 1935 — May 22, 2025
Mohawk - Utica - Harold Howard “Buck” Riddell, a resident of the Masonic Care Community, passed away on Thursday, May 22, 2025 at the Wynn Hospital in Utica, NY.
Born September 7, 1935 in Ilion, NY, Harold was the eldest child of Harold E. and Susie Riddell. Upon graduating from Ilion High School in 1953, Buck was accepted into the Apprentice Program at General Electric in Utica where he enjoyed a long career until his retirement in 1991.
Throughout his life, Buck was an active participant in many local clubs and community organizations. He served as the President for the Ilion Chapter of the New York State Jaycees; a Senator for the Junior Chamber International; was a Shriner for 55 years in the Ziyara Temple; and Master Mason for 56 years in the Yahnundasis Bodies and for 58 years in the Olive Branch Lodge. He was a life member of the BPOE Ilion Lodge 1444, the NYS Masonic Temple, and the Elfun Society of Utica. Buck served on several local boards at various times in his life including: the Ilion Public Library, Cedar Lake Club, and the Ilion Municipal Light Department. He had served as a Trustee for the Village of Ilion, was the Chairman for the Ilion Urban Renewal project, and a preservationist at the Herkimer County Historical Society.
Buck especially enjoyed his time in the Adirondacks. He rarely missed the biannual camping trip taken each May and September for over 55 years. He made countless memories with each outing but especially treasured those memories made when his son Scott joined him on his adventures.
Buck was predeceased by his wife, Eleanor “Ellie” (nee Smith); his parents; his brother George; his sisters Betty, Janet, and Jill; and his very special buddy, Andy Szczgiel.
He is survived by his children, Judith (Darin) Schneider of St Louis MO, Tracy (Robert) Miller of Fort Mill, SC, Scott (An) Riddell of Belmont NC, and Mary (David) Strafel of Charlotte NC; two cherished grandsons, John Miller of Rockmart, Georgia, and Luke Miller of Brooklyn, NY; a brother-in-law, Joseph Smith of Utica; many nieces and nephews, including two special nephews, Steve (Amy) Tines and Robert Tines; his cousin, confidant, and best friend of 88 years, John “Cuz” Stephenson and his wife Madeline; special friends of over 60 years, Steve and Loretta Szczgiel.
“May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.”
Arrangements will be entrusted to Whiter-Hendrix Funeral Home, 100 Otsego St. Ilion, NY 13357. A celebration of life will be held at Whiter-Hendrix Funeral Home on Monday, September 8, 2025, from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm with a short Graveside Service immediately following at Armory Hill Cemetery.
Special thanks to the staff at the Masonic Care Community for the loving care they provided.
Donations in Buck’s memory may be made to https://act.alz.org/donate or Alzheimer’s Association 225 N. Michigan Ave. Floor 17, Chicago IL 60601; or the Masonic Care Community: https://masonichomeny.org/giving/
Born September 7, 1935 in Ilion, NY, Harold was the eldest child of Harold E. and Susie Riddell. Upon graduating from Ilion High School in 1953, Buck was accepted into the Apprentice Program at General Electric in Utica where he enjoyed a long career until his retirement in 1991.
Throughout his life, Buck was an active participant in many local clubs and community organizations. He served as the President for the Ilion Chapter of the New York State Jaycees; a Senator for the Junior Chamber International; was a Shriner for 55 years in the Ziyara Temple; and Master Mason for 56 years in the Yahnundasis Bodies and for 58 years in the Olive Branch Lodge. He was a life member of the BPOE Ilion Lodge 1444, the NYS Masonic Temple, and the Elfun Society of Utica. Buck served on several local boards at various times in his life including: the Ilion Public Library, Cedar Lake Club, and the Ilion Municipal Light Department. He had served as a Trustee for the Village of Ilion, was the Chairman for the Ilion Urban Renewal project, and a preservationist at the Herkimer County Historical Society.
Buck especially enjoyed his time in the Adirondacks. He rarely missed the biannual camping trip taken each May and September for over 55 years. He made countless memories with each outing but especially treasured those memories made when his son Scott joined him on his adventures.
Buck was predeceased by his wife, Eleanor “Ellie” (nee Smith); his parents; his brother George; his sisters Betty, Janet, and Jill; and his very special buddy, Andy Szczgiel.
He is survived by his children, Judith (Darin) Schneider of St Louis MO, Tracy (Robert) Miller of Fort Mill, SC, Scott (An) Riddell of Belmont NC, and Mary (David) Strafel of Charlotte NC; two cherished grandsons, John Miller of Rockmart, Georgia, and Luke Miller of Brooklyn, NY; a brother-in-law, Joseph Smith of Utica; many nieces and nephews, including two special nephews, Steve (Amy) Tines and Robert Tines; his cousin, confidant, and best friend of 88 years, John “Cuz” Stephenson and his wife Madeline; special friends of over 60 years, Steve and Loretta Szczgiel.
“May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.”
Arrangements will be entrusted to Whiter-Hendrix Funeral Home, 100 Otsego St. Ilion, NY 13357. A celebration of life will be held at Whiter-Hendrix Funeral Home on Monday, September 8, 2025, from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm with a short Graveside Service immediately following at Armory Hill Cemetery.
Special thanks to the staff at the Masonic Care Community for the loving care they provided.
Donations in Buck’s memory may be made to https://act.alz.org/donate or Alzheimer’s Association 225 N. Michigan Ave. Floor 17, Chicago IL 60601; or the Masonic Care Community: https://masonichomeny.org/giving/
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Harold H. Riddell, please visit our flower store.
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