Former Plumbing & Mechanical columnist Paul Ridilla, 84, died Feb. 28. A memorial service at Banfield Funeral Homes in Winter Springs, Fla., was held March 12.

Ridilla is survived by his wife, Joan Ridilla; seven children and a daughter-in-law; 11 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; one brother; and three sisters. He was predeceased in 2004 by his son, John Ridilla.

He was the son of the late Helen and John Ridilla of Latrobe, Pa. Ridilla worked in the construction industry, beginning as a helper, then as craftsman, superintendent and CEO of a multi-million-dollar commercial construction company. In addition, he was well-known for 40 years as a convention speaker and also conducted in-house consultations with construction companies all over the United States and Canada. Ridilla also was one of the original columnists of Plumbing and Mechanical, which started in March 1984.