Anthony Brian Ridings

Tony was loved by all that knew him. Forever the life of the party, he could make anyone laugh or smile with his stories and charming ways. There were so many aspects of what made Tony so special.

Tony the poet: A Graduate of St. Andrews Presbyterian College, and the Università Internazionale per Stranieri in Perugia Italy, he studied literature and wrote beautiful poems and prose. Tony was bilingual in both English and Italian. His gift of language extended to conversation, and he was well known for his ability to paint vivid and lengthy stories from his memories and experiences. His creative spirit also included photography, and it was common to see his camera strapped about his neck. Tony spent many hours relaxing in his airy sunroom loft with music, a glass of wine, and a good book.

Tony the family man: Tony cherished his time spent at home with his wife and daughter. His preferred method of unwinding was cooking, and he took pride in providing Elisabeth and Adriana with delicious food in bountiful portions. To his wife, Elisabeth, he was the perfect complimentary force: the yin to her yang. Tony and Elisabeth were high school sweethearts in Italy. They went their separate ways for college but, as destiny would have it, reconnected and made Atlanta their home. To his daughter, Adriana, he was a source of endless support and encouragement. When she had her hopes set on going to Los Angeles for film school, Tony embraced her choice fully and celebrated every step of her career thereafter. Throughout his life, he never ceased to nurture her creativity and passed on his love of music, wine, food, and life itself.

Tony the brother and a son: His sister Linda often said,” It took a World War to get our parents together ~Kentucky & Venice…!”

His father James, made his career in the Air Force, Strategic Air Command - high-stress missile sites - which is how Tony was born in the deserts of Tucson, Arizona where his Dad, would hunt the wild javelinas and later elk and antelopes in the plateaus of Cheyenne, Wyoming. True to his Kentucky roots, James knew not only the skill of the hunt but the craft of butchering and tanning the hide and made Tony a pair of “Leiderhosen” which he sewed by hand.

In contrast, Tony’s mother, Silvia Margherita Gravina, a classically trained pianist from the Conservatorio Benedetto Marcello in Venice, opened the doors to his love of music, art, Italian culture, and her love of all creatures great & small.

From his earliest days, his sister Linda, an artist & designer, older by just 22 months, took on a protective role allowing Tony free reign with his playful spirit. This closeness continued throughout their adult life.

Tony the wine and spirits consultant, distributor/importer: Tony was passionate about his work in the professional world of wines since the 1980s. His gregarious, humorous, and down-to-earth nature along with his wealth of knowledge combined to make him a unique force in the business of wine. He found great joy and energy in the many friendships he had in the wine and spirits community both locally in Atlanta, nationally, and internationally.

Tony the animal lover: Tony came from a family that loved animals (especially cats). Tony rescued and took care of many creatures over his life from dogs to birds. He often was known to rehabilitate and care for animals that were lost or hurt.

It is impossible to summarize Tony’s life and the lives that he inspired all around him. He lives on through the stories and memories of all who knew him and will be missed beyond words.

He is survived by: Elisabeth Harris, Adriana Ridings, Linda Ridings, Cornel Rubino (Brother-In-Law), Patricia Firmani (Sister-In-Law), Susana Peyton (Sister-In-Law), Don Peyton (Brother-In-Law), Juliana Harris-Gil (Sister-In-Law), Marco Gil (Brother-In-Law).

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.floralhillsfuneral.com for the Ridings family.