Paul Lawrence Riddell

Paul Lawrence Riddell was born in Connersville, Indiana February 18. 1939.

He was the youngest of seven children born to Henry Lee and Bessie Mae Riddell.

Paul joined the U. S. Air Force immediately after high school, to see the world and pay for college. He achieved his goal. He graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Master of Business Administration from Rochester Institute of Technology, in Rochester, New York.

Paul met and married his wife of 53 years, Phyllis Rose in 1968. They were blessed with two children, Paul Kasim and Anisa Marie Riddell.

Paul’s business career advanced over the years. Starting with PPG (Pittsburgh Plate Glass) in Indiana; then moving to Xerox , as the youngest minority executive, where he spent a number of years advancing his career in accounting working out of their New York and Chicago offices. His strength in accounting led to him being hired as the Head of Accounts Payable and Payroll for EBMUD (East Bay Municipal Utility District). He maintained that position for 25 years, until retiring in 2012. Throughout his career, he was a key member of the Review Board, and trained and coached new & existing staff for advancement in their own careers. He was well liked and respected by his team and co-workers.

Paul enjoyed life, he lived it to the fullest. He was very active - played baseball, basketball, golf  and racquetball. He loved college football - Notre Dame and Michigan; pro teams - the Forty Niners and the Warriors. Good food and cruises with family and friends.  His dynamic personality, wit, charisma, and infectious laughter drew people to him at the gym and on the golf course, where he made lifelong friendships that he held until his passing.  

Paul is survived by his wife, Phyllis and daughter Anisa. Their son, Kasim, passed away in 2019.

Flowers: please deliver to Oak Park Hills Chapel

                   3111 North Main Street

                   Walnut Creek, CA 94597

                (925) 934-6500

            (Adjacent to Pleasant HIll and I-680)

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