Mr. James Ridolfo Sr.

The life of James Ridolfo, Sr. of Mission, TX, came to its finale when he fell asleep in death on June 25, 2022. James, Sr., or Jim, as he was known to his friends, was born in Manhattan, NY on July 28, 1933. He was educated at the Universidad de Guadalajara and was employed as a civil engineer with Petróleos Mexicanos, supervising many industrial projects and pipelines throughout México. In 1964, he met Norma King in Monterrey, México. They were married for 40 years and went on to have 3 children. When he decided to change careers, he studied to become a certified financial advisor and stockbroker, establishing Knorr Financial Services. Later, he reinvented his career again, becoming a Golden Corral® franchisee for 30 years, operating several restaurants throughout Texas. At the spry age of 88, Jim still came into the office every day and traveled weekly with James Jr. to manage his business. He lived an independent life filled with friends and family and a love of British murder mysteries which he passed on to his granddaughter. Jim came to love opera while still in his teens when he first heard a recording of Lucia di Lammermoor at a friend’s home. That love of opera would extend to all classical music - much to his son’s chagrin. He also relished reading a good book and loved the comics of his youth along with the modern “Calvin and Hobbs”. He was a positive “influencer” of those younger than he - before the internet coined the phrase - as many of his management team can attest to. He was very proud and grateful for the past and present management team at the Golden Corral® in Laredo, TX; Manuel Canseco, Joe Rodriguez, Fernando Osoria, Ernesto Rojas, Estela Williams, Martina Puentes and Lupita Vara. He also held dear the home office team of Elizabeth Garcia and Mireya Mora. There were many funny stories shared during those decades with them. Jim was predeceased by his mother, Divina Pabón de Ridolfo and his father, Jose Andrés Ridolfo. His daughters, Norma and Anna, his triplet grandsons, Jose Andrés, James Reynold and Juan Sebastian and lastly, his cherished wife, Norma. He is survived by his beloved son, James Ridolfo, Jr. his wife, Genevieve, and his favorite granddaughter, Yasmin. Also surviving him is his dear cousin whom he considered a brother, Reynold Treviño Ridolfo along with his cousins, Martha Treviño and Nora Treviño and his many nieces and nephews whom he all loved dearly. Jim is also survived by his “second son”, John Gonzalez with whom he shared many good memories on family vacations together and the love of a beautiful car. Lastly, Jim is survived by his friend, Steven Butler. He cherished their friendship and their quest of a good bargain. Kreidler Funeral Home of McAllen, TX is in charge of arrangements and services will be held there. The family will receive friends on Friday, July 15th, 2022 beginning at 3:00 p.m. A service of remembrance will follow that evening at 7:00 p.m. Interment will be the following day, July 16th at 1:00 p.m., at Valley Memorial Gardens in McAllen, TX, where he will be laid to rest beside his wife. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Texas Organ Sharing Alliance, www.tosa1.org. Organ donation made it possible for Jim to witness his grandbaby grow into a beautiful young woman. Every donor can save 8 lives and enhance over 75 more. Be someone’s real life hero. Sign up to be a donor.

Tributes

Mr. James Ridolfo Sr.

June 25, 2022