Patrick Riddleberger, professor emeritus of historical studies and one of the SIUE pioneers, died Saturday, June 4, at his home in Edwardsville. He was 95.

He was born October 6, 1915 in Woodstock, VA the son of the late Frank and Anna (Williams) Riddleberger.

Professor Riddleberger is survived by his cherished friend, Tina Siegler of Carlyle; a daughter, Anne (Gordon Litwin) Luzzatto of New York, NY; 2 grandchildren, Benjamin (Alexandra Tydings) Luzzatto and Marisa (Paul Neaville) Luzzatto; and 5 great-grandchildren.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Patrick Riddleberger, Jr.

Patrick graduated prep school from Virginia Episcipal School and finished his undergrad at the Virginia Military Institure.  He received a doctorate in history at the University of California in 1953. Before coming to SIUE, Riddleberger taught history at the University of Maryland for seven years. Joining the faculty in 1960 as an associate professor at the SIU Alton campus in what was then known as the social sciences division, Riddleberger went on to win the SIUE Teaching Excellence Award and the SIUE Alumni Association’s Great Teacher Award. He also won a Fulbright to teach in India during the 1960s and was presented a president’s award of merit by then-President Earl Lazerson in 1993. In 2000, he received an honorary doctor of humane letters from the University.

During his tenure at SIUE, Riddleberger also received the university’s Outstanding Scholar Award. He was a prolific researcher who authored significant papers and books about the history of the South, especially about the American Civil War and the Reconstruction Era. He retired from SIUE in 1984 but continued his research well into his retirement years.

A memorial service will be held in the fall at the SIUE Campus.