Jay David Aldridge May 17, 1930 – July 1, 2025

Jay David Aldridge, age 95, passed away peacefully on July 1, 2025 at his home in Port Charlotte, Florida, with his son, David, and caregiver, Joan Alexander, by his side. He is survived by his four children: Jayne A. Nickell (Marietta, GA), Jyll A. (Brian) Lilly (Evergreen, CO), Diann A. Corll (Mars, PA), and David B. Aldridge (Bangkok, Thailand); as well as his cherished grandchildren: David A. Lilly (Evergreen, Co), Andrew T. Lilly (Chicago, Il), and Austin A. Corll (Westview, PA) and three great grandchildren.

Born on May 17, 1930, in Beaver, Pennsylvania, Jay was the son of Clara (Barnes) and Jay Jackson Aldridge. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Patricia A. Aldridge, who passed away in 2013. Jay and Pat were married for 58 wonderful years, building a life together filled with love, adventure, and a deep commitment to family.

Jay was a pioneer in the field of economic development, where he contributed to Pittsburgh's transformation from an industrial steel town to a modern hub of innovation. He was the founding President of Penn's Southwest Association, helping attract more than 500 companies, including major international corporations, to the Pittsburgh region.

During his teenage years, Jay spent several summers working in a steel mill, an experience that allowed him to connect with people from all walks of life and appreciate the importance of hard work. An avid baseball player, he ultimately chose education over a career as a professional baseball player and attended Geneva College, where he earned a degree in Industrial Engineering. This experience sparked his lifelong belief in the value of education. Jay later served on the boards of several higher education institutions, including West Virginia Wesleyan University, Adrian College, and Muskingum University. He also remained closely connected to Geneva College in Beaver Falls, PA, and frequently guest lectured at universities both in the United States and internationally. His teaching took him to institutions such as the University of Tokyo in Japan, Dalian Institute of Technology in China, and Assumption University in Thailand. Jay's contributions to education were recognized with honorary degrees, including a Doctor of Laws from Waynesburg University and a Doctor of Industrial Management from Dalian Institute of Technology. Additionally, he served as the first Citizen Chairman to the UN Development Commission in Zurich, Switzerland.

Beyond his career in economic development, Jay was deeply committed to the Western Pennsylvania region. He served on the boards of Passavant Hospital, the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Japan-America Society of Pennsylvania (JASP), British-American Business Council, Carnegie Science Center, and the Pittsburgh Technology Council, where he was a co-founder. His international work extended to serving on the boards of Leder Corporation in Switzerland and of a Sino-American joint venture based in China. Until his early 90s, Jay volunteered at the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE), where he acted as an advisor to small businesses starting up in Florida, and as an officer at the Charlotte Harbor Yacht Club. Jay was a resident of Port Charlotte, Florida, but he also enjoyed spending time with family and friends in St. Simons, Georgia, Colorado, Pittsburgh, and Volant, Pennsylvania.

In his later years, Jay continued to enjoy reading, singing in the First Presbyterian Church (FPC) of Punta Gorda choir where he was a member, and spending time with friends and loved ones. He was a man of humility and strong commitment to his faith.

The family would like to extend sincere gratitude to PCP and friend, Dr. Brian Ardell, MD; to dear family friend Marietta Van Gorp; and to caregivers Joan Alexander, Cassie Barone, and Choubert Fleuridor. Special thanks to all friends and congregation members for their continued prayers.

Friends and family are invited to celebrate Jay's life at a Celebration of Life service at First Presbyterian Church (FPC) in Punta Gorda, Florida, on July 17, 2025, at 10:00 AM. The family will host a Celebration of Life event in Pittsburgh in August.  Details will be available on David B. Aldridge's facebook page.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Geneva College in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania or First Presbyterian Church (FPC) Punta Gorda, in memory of Jay D. Aldridge.