Oliver Leon Oridge

God in His perfect and all-wise way looked around His garden and chose this rose for His heavenly bouquet. Oliver Leon Oridge, 72, passed away on June 26, 2026 in his home in Hampton, VA. Leon, as he was affectionately known, was born to the late Rufus L. Oridge and MaryLee (Smith) Oridge on April 18, 1954 in Douglas, GA. The family moved and settled in Madison, NJ in the early 50’s where he was raised.

He attended the Madison Public School District and was a member of the First Baptist Church where he attended Sunday School in Madison, NJ. Leon was an avid sports player. As a child, he played baseball with the Madison Little League Pacesetters and Sallies Construction softball team. He enjoyed playing basketball at the Madison Community House. After high school, he went on to play Minor League Baseball in Portland, OR. Upon returning to Madison, NJ, he welcomed the birth of his first-born daughter, Monique Nichole, in 1977. He later met and married Cynthia Lowe on March 14, 1987, and from that union two sons were born, Leon and Michael Leonard. Leon was a hard worker. He worked for Champion Dairy Pak and The Morris County Mosquito Commission of Morristown, NJ.

The family moved to Murray Hill, NJ for a short span before settling in Hampton, VA in 2003. While in Hampton, VA, he worked for Smithfield Packing Company in Smithfield, VA where he retired. Leon was known for his love of fishing and boxing. A devoted fan of Westerns, his favorite film was “The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly,” and he often joked that he could hold his own with Muhammad Ali. He was happiest relaxing in his yard with a cold beer, grilling burgers and ribs while he watched his grandkids play. Kind and generous, Leon took great pride in his grandchildren and made sure they had everything they needed for their education and more. His smile could brighten even the darkest room and he will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Oliver Leon Oridge was predeceased by his parents Rufus and MaryLee Oridge, and two brothers MacArthur Sears and LeeRoy Oridge.

He leaves to cherish his memory his wife Cynthia Oridge of Hampton, VA; his daughter Monique Nichole Newsam of Goodyear, AZ; his sons Leon Oridge and Michael Leonard Oridge (Fiorina Cavo) of Hampton, VA; seven grandchildren Zoe and Sydney of Goodyear, AZ, and Zamya, Rayquan, Josiah, Elijah, and Zion of Hampton, VA; two nephews Rufus K. Oridge of Denver, CO and LeeRoy Oridge of Dover, NJ; two nieces Isis Oridge of Los Angeles, CA and Keisha Oridge of Lakeland, FL; four sister-in-laws Lessie Oridge, Deloris Palmer (Warner), Sylvia Lowe, and Donna Irick (George); four brother-in-laws Davie Lowe (Helen), Herbert Williams (Gloria), Aaron Lowe (Bobbie Jean), and Lee Curtis Lowe; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

A Celebration of Life for Leon will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, July 11, 2026 and Berceuse Funeral and Cremation Traditions, 2609 Cunningham Drive, Hampton, VA, 23666 (757-825-8070). To view the service online, at 10:55 AM, please visit https://www.facebook.com/berceusefuneral