Vernon "Rocky" Ridgely, Jr.

Vernon "Rocky" Cleveland Ridgely, Jr. May 25, 1951 – May 24, 2026 Vernon Cleveland Ridgely, Jr., was born on May 25, 1951, and fully lived — in every sense of the word — until the early hours of May 24, 2026, the day before his 75th birthday. He was born to Constance Hatcher Ridgely and Vernon C. Ridgely, Sr., in Baltimore, Maryland. Arriving well past his due date, his Godmother announced to the room: “…the Rock is finally here…” No one ever called him Vernon again. Rocky spent virtually his entire life as a proud resident of Baltimore City. He attended William H. Lemmel Junior High School and the City College of Baltimore, where he played varsity football as a running back and wide receiver, graduating in 1971. He went on to earn his Associate of Arts degree from the Community College of Baltimore, and shortly thereafter enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. His four years of honorable service took him to remarkable locations around the world, highlighted by his membership on the Marine Corps Basketball Team. From the time he left high school, Rocky channeled his natural talent and deep passion for style into a career in fashion — modeling and organizing fashion events. Following his honorable discharge from the Marines in 1977, he built upon that foundation by joining some of the most respected men’s fashion retailers in Maryland, including Bernard Hill, Hyatt & Co., and most recently Gian Marco on Charles Street. In all, Rocky’s distinguished career in fashion spanned more than 50 years, during which he touched the lives of countless men and women who simply wanted to look their best. Beyond fashion, Rocky’s passions ran wide and deep: good food, travel, the Cowboys, the Ravens, Eagle Harbor, Cape May, jazz, Ridgely Family Reunions, being a charter member of the Neptune Yacht Club, and loving his family and many friends. Rocky had a rare and genuine gift for keeping in touch — a phone call, a check-in, a show of presence in the moments that mattered — making everyone in his orbit feel seen and loved. Rocky cherished his spiritual connection and the relationships forged at Bridgeway Community Church which sustained him throughout his faith walk. He had a bond with his parents that was extraordinary in its closeness and devotion. He adored his mother, “Connie,” and the feeling was entirely mutual. Friends still smile remembering how she let him drive her winged Chrysler — the “Batmobile,” they called it — when he was still in high school. He accompanied Connie and her friends to Shriners’ conventions in cities across the country, and even coached her Eastern Stars drill team to victory in a national competition. With his father, Vernon Sr., Rocky shared household projects, trips to the barbershop, mani pedis, and the quiet joy of helping each other through life — including cooking and selling home-made meals to raise money for White Rock Church. His father loved him dearly and Rocky knew it. In 1970, Rocky took a girl to her junior prom on a blind date arranged by his best friend. Thirty-one years later, in 2001, they reconnected at a mutual friend’s dessert party after which he decided to call her. Thirteen fun-filled years of mutual vetting followed, after which Rocky knew he had found his future. The final step was securing her mother’s blessing — who, upon being asked, looked at him and said:“…you know, she has three children…” Rocky didn’t flinch. On October 25, 2014, one of the most eligible and confirmed bachelors of the modern era left the battlefield for good. Norma Gene Parker Hall Ridgely, her three children, and “Pop Rock” became a family, and the rest is legend. Rocky stepped up as husband, father, grandfather, and as a man — filling a space in the children’s hearts that only he could fill — endearing himself to the larger family in a way that is rarely seen and never forgotten. Left to mourn his passing and celebrate the great fortune of having known him are his beloved wife, Norma; son Amon (Shannon); daughters Amara (Chelsea) and Arielle (Terry); granddaughter Aaliyah; father Vernon Sr.; sister Phyllis; niece Sarah (Andrian); great-nephew Rey; the Pajardos, the Blackwells, of course the Ridgelys, and the multitudes who claim him, proudly, as family and friend. Boots up, Rocky. May you rest in immortal, profound, and joyful peace. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Baltimore City College Alumni Association Scholarship Fund in honor of Vernon “Rocky” Ridgely Jr., or to the family’s memorial fund via Venmo: @RockstarMemorialFund Baltimore City College Alumni Association, Inc. P.O. Box 21494 Baltimore, MD 21282-1494 Please designate “For Scholarship Fund” and note “Donation Honoring Vernon ‘Rocky’ Ridgely Jr.” on the check.

Tributes

Vernon "Rocky" Ridgely, Jr.

May 25, 1951 - May 24, 2026