Emily Ann Riddock was born to the late David and Muriel Boney in Montclair, N.J. on February 17,
1934. She attended Watchung School until the 2nd grade, when her parents decided to relocate to the
Borough of the Bronx in New York City along with her sister Francis (Sissy) and brother David (Bubby).
Emily then attended and graduated from St. Augustine’s Elementary School and from the High School of
Art and Design. She aspired to be an artist. Emily could draw beautifully which was one of her many
hidden talents. Although her family relocated, Emily maintained a strong connection with her
grandmother, aunts and cousins who still resided in Montclair. She would often share stories about the
fabulous parties that they would go to, as well as, who was the best dancer at the time.
Emily met and married the love of her life, Eric A. Riddock, Jr. on June 2, 1956. They raised four
beautiful children; Muriel, Eric III (Ricky), David, and Roxanne. They were very involved in Holy Cross
Church in the Bronx. Emily used to teach Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD) in the evening to
teenage students who did not attend Catholic School.
Emily long to live in Montclair and rejoin her family. In November of 1978, she did just that! She and
her immediate family moved into a house that became the hub for BBQ’s parties, and special events. You
name it. Emily loved to have a house full of people and entertain. There was never a dull moment at the
Riddock Home.
Emily worked as a paralegal secretary at Sprung, Horn, Kramer and Woods law firm. While there, she
met many United Nation dignitaries from Burundi, who had an office on the same floor. From the mutual
respect, cordial and kind relationship, she enlarged her blended family of sons and daughters from
Burundi. That lasted from the mid 70’s till her passing. She and Eric shared their immediate family and
home that created so many positive life experiences. She had the courage to show compassion towards
others that maintain lifelong friendships.
She retired in 1999 from Sprung, Horn, Kramer and Woods to stay at home and care for her
grandchildren, but that simply was not enough for Emily. She then became a substitute secretary for
Montclair Public Schools. She loved working at Central Office, Glenfield Middle School, Hillside
School and Northeast School. She came home one day with a funny story that one of the students said to
his friend, “Hey Rosa Parks is working here today, come look!” She got the biggest kick out of that. She
stopped subbing right before the COVID pandemic. Until the time of her passing, she still talked about
going back to substituting. She also had a very good relationship with the Montclair Fire Department. In
fact, one Thanksgiving they came to our home with the fire trucks and left with dinner for the station.
You could never leave her house unless you had something to eat!
Emily passed away Friday, February 10th surrounded by family members. She is predeceased by her
parents David and Muriel Boney, sister Francis Cook, brother David Boney, her husband, Eric A.
Riddock, Jr. and daughter Muriel Brown. Emily leaves to cherish her love and memory; her children Eric
Riddock, III, daughter in-law Salma, David Riddock, Roxanne Riddock-Smith, son in-law Darryl, former
daughter-in-law Esther Riddock, her Goddaughter/niece Jennifer Bailey, her grandchildren, Tina Brown,
Scott Smith, Marissa Riddock, Sharissa Riddock, Isaiah Smith, James Smith and Eric Riddock, her great
grandchildren, Erik Wilson, Jayda McClurkin and Emily Smith as well as a host of nieces and nephews.
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