[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 8]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 10984]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING THE MEMORY OF THOMAS HAROLD RIDDLE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ZOE LOFGREN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 22, 2008

  Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California. Madam Speaker, it is with great 
sadness that I rise today to honor the memory of a distinguished civic 
leader in Santa Clara County, Mr. Thomas Harold Riddle. Harold spent 
his entire life serving his community and country and helping those 
around him. He was a loyal solider, a gifted educator, an active 
minister, a party activist, a loving husband, and a devoted father.
  Harold Riddle was born in Washington, DC, and grew up on a farm in 
Central California. During World War II, Harold and two of his brothers 
bravely served our country in the Marine Corps and saw action in the 
Pacific Theater. After the War, Harold returned home to California and 
earned his teaching degree and credentials from San Jose State 
University. He also went on to receive his master's degree in education 
from Stanford University. Harold's distinguished teaching career 
spanned 50 years and in 1973 he was recognized as California's 
Outstanding Teacher of the Year in Industrial Arts Education.
  Harold met his future wife, the former Loretta Mezza, while they were 
both teaching students at San Jose State. They married after receiving 
teaching degrees in 1948 and would have celebrated their 60th wedding 
anniversary this August. Harold and Loretta Riddle were honored last 
month by local Democratic Party leaders with the Don Edwards Lifetime 
Achievement Award for their active involvement in civic activities. 
Loretta was a legislative staffer for Assemblyman and State Senator Al 
Alquist for over 30 years. Harold served for 12 years on the Santa 
Clara County Democratic Central Committee.
  More important than his personal achievements, Harold will be 
remembered because he always made time for those that needed his time. 
From influential politicians to struggling high school students, Harold 
offered a friendly ear and sound advice. Harold is survived by his wife 
Loretta, his daughter Judy Riddle-Skintuay, and his sister Ruth Cooper. 
Our community mourns the loss of a great civic leader, friend, teacher, 
and family man.

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