Vinton T. Ridley

Vinton T. Ridley, 78 years old, of Shapleigh, ME died January 21, 2007 at Southern Maine Medical Center with his wife and children at his side.Vinton, better known as "Wink" was born on October 30, 1928 at his parents' home in Springvale, ME. He was the son of the late Roger T. and Marion H. Pence Ridley. He attended local schools and graduated with the 1947 class at Sanford High School. On August 12, 1950 he was married to Arlene Wilson Ridley, and together they began a family. For many years Vinton served his community. He served as a Town of Shapleigh Selectman for 10 years; he organized the Shapleigh Fire Department, and was member of the Shapleigh Community Forest board of trustees. He served on the York County Budget Committee, was a member of the York County Sheriff Department, Served as a Bail Commissioner for the State of Maine Judicial System, and was a State Representative for the Democratic party for ten years.Vinton was also a 50 + year member of the Springvale Masonic Lodge #190 AF & AM.Vinton owned and operated V.T. Ridley Co., a custom machine shop. In the late 1970's he re-opened the L.S. Patch Store as the Shapleigh Corner Store.Vinton greatly enjoyed the outdoors. He liked to go hunting and fishing, but above all he enjoyed time with his family, as that was what was most important to him.Surviving is his wife of 56 years Arlene Wilson Ridley, their children, Ruth Ridley, Roger T. Ridley, Sarah Pelletier, Mary Emmons, and William T. Ridley. Also surviving are 17 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren.At Vinton's request services will be held privately at the convenience of the family.The Ridley family encourages those wishing to make memorial contributions to consider the York County Dialysis Center, 20 W. Cole Rd., Biddeford, ME 04005-9458. To leave messages of condolence please use the "condolences" tab to the left.