Martin Stuart “Marty” Ridgewell, age 56, of Covington, VA and Tampa, FL died Sunday, October 2, 2016 at Halifax Health Medical Center in Daytona Beach, FL. Marty is survived by his loving wife Mitzi Witt Ridgewell, to whom he was proudly married to for thirty-three years and by son Adam Ridgewell and wife Emily, daughter Amy and her fiancée Jon Neill who Marty loved as a son. Also two beloved grand puppies Peanut and Mr. Spock.
A musician by passion and training Marty played with many noteworthy groups and places including the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Band and Sunshine Brass Band. Though if asked, his highest musical achievement was as a band booster he cooked and donated weekly meals for his daughter’s entire Marching Band at Blake High School during her time there. Sharing his gift for performing music became more difficult later in life as his health declined but his eclectic taste and beloved iTunes library served as an important background to almost any social gathering.
Though he had many professions in his life what he took the most joy in was a small catering business he started with his father Harold. The two stubborn Ridgewell men bickered and joked their way through hundreds of meals ranging from weddings to funerals to formal dinners. Marty was also employed by Vocational Rehabilitation for the State of Florida helping children and young adults with disabilities find the resources they need to complete their education and have a full and rich life. This often difficult and draining work was almost always met with a full coffee pot, a small smile and a desire to help “his kids”.
Marty was a Master Mason and Methodist Church Member, often sharing his musical and culinary talents at the churches and lodges he attended. Perilously he was a fan of all Tampa Bay Sports Teams with complete and unconditional love. He was a Father, Husband, Friend, Brother, Son and always he was there for those who loved and needed him. He was preceded in death by his parents Harold and Phyllis Fix Ridgewell and brother Fred.
Flowers will not be accepted and in lieu please make all donations in his name to Mallow Presbyterian Church 2004 Mallow Rd, Covington, VA 24426. A Remembrance Meal will be held at Mallow Presbyterian Church on Friday October 14th at 5:00; a memorial service immediately to follow.

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