Dr. Leonard Michael Ridini
1932-2024
Dr. RIDINI, Leonard Michael of Centerport, NY, on December 30, 2024, at the age of 92. Len had a warm heart and a great sense of humor. He had a passion for life, family, friends and loved music, Broadway tunes, history, sports, and international travel. He grew up in East Boston and West Roxbury before moving with his young family to New York. He studied at Boston University where he received his Ph.D. in Education. Professor Ridini taught health and physical education at Emerson College and Boston University, then for 40 years at Brooklyn College. He was also the head basketball coach at Emerson College. He co-authored two books, “Physical Education for Inner City Secondary Schools,” with Dr. John Madden and “Administration and Supervision of School Physical Education and Athletic Programs,” with Dr. Arthur Weston and numerous journal articles exploring the intersection of health and physical activity in urban environments. Len was an avid athlete in high school and college, having played varsity football and baseball at Boston English, and baseball at Boston University. He was also a pitcher for the Pawtucket (RI) Red Sox Farm team. After leaving Boston, he lived in Syosset, Cutchogue, and Centerport, NY, and West Palm Beach, and Coral Springs, FL. He grew up Roman Catholic and was a devout and active member of local parishes, attending Mass daily. Now committed to our Creator, Dr. Ridini will be buried at St. Joseph Cemetery in West Roxbury to rest with his father, Leo, mother, Mary, beloved wife, Kathleen, and loving sister-in-law, Josephine Ridini. Len treasured his large family and survived his first beloved spouse of 59 years, Kathleen Althea (White) Ridini. He is survived by his second wife, Florence (Gilmartin) Flanagan. He is also survived by his children, Maryann Ridini Spencer, Leonard Michael, Jr. Esq. and his spouse Carol (Roge), Dr. Steven Ridini and his spouse Dr. Michael Hartwig, Kathleen (Ridini) Treiber and her spouse Fred Treiber, Christopher Ridini, Esq. and his spouse Kristina (Galehouse), and David Ridini and his spouse Jill (Coulson). Dr. Ridini is the cherished grandfather of nine: Jennifer (Ridini) Figliolia, Kimberly (Ridini) Albert, Max Treiber, Carley (Ridini) Ridersleeve, Dylan Ridini, Michaela Ridini, Alexandra Ridini, Jake Ridini, and Olivia Ridini; and great grandfather to five: Sienna Figliolia, Joseph Figliolia, Luke Albert, Chase Albert, and Nicholas Albert. Dr. Ridini is survived by his loving brother, Michael Ridini, and nieces Sandra, Lisa, Donna, and Michelle. He is also survived by numerous other nieces and nephews. Len was a U.S. Army Veteran who served with distinction in the Intelligence Unit and will be buried with military honors.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, January 4th in St. Theresa of Avila Church, 2078 Centre St., West Roxbury at 11:00am. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. Interment St. Joseph Cemetery, West Roxbury. The family wishes to thank the incredible healthcare staff at Huntington Hospital, NY for their compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Our Lady of Queen of Martyrs Church, 53 Prospect Rd., Centerport, NY 11721 www.olqmparish.org www.olqmparish.org