Alex Riddick was born and raised in Newark in the 1950s, 60s, and 70s. He is a graduate of Arts High School, Essex County College, both located in Newark. He graduated from Montclair State University with a BA in Fine Arts. Alex worked at the law firm of Clapp and Eisenberg and in retail, notably, from 1966 to 1970, at Carlsten’s men’s clothing and tailoring store. At Carlsten’s, he worked with Albert Murphy, assisting him in the in the buying of clothes for the store, and in the coordination of fashions shows. He was also a sales representative at the store. During his years in Newark, Alex was a soloist at various Sunday services and Bar Mitzvahs, with the late Joe Coleman of Newark as his pianist. Along with a group of gay friends, Alex came out early in life and received support from the then gay scene at house gatherings and other social events. Sadly, he suffered the loss of a number of these friends during the Aids crisis. Alex continued to support and assist his friends as they lived with AIDS. In 1989, Alex began a career in health care in the field of Activities. He trained to become a Certified Director of Activities and, as a Director of Activities, he coordinated programs of activities which included music, arts and crafts, and, most especially, the rainbow medley program, created by Alex to engage and enhance the lives of people living with dementia and other cognitive challenges. In retirement, Alex continues with his painting. His paintings have been shown in Montclair and Dover, NJ. 

Photographs from Alex: 

Charles Scott (left) and Alex Riddick - Dayton Street, Oran Square, Weequahic Park, Newark, New Jersey. Charles Scott was Alex's childhood friend. He introduced Alex to Albert Murphy in the early 1960s into their middle age years. Alex took care of Charles during his last year of life at his house in Newark in the 1980s. He passed away from AIDS.


Carlstens Inc. Alex (left) and Al Murphy (second from left). Irv Balot (2nd from right with glasses).


Alex Riddick leaning against wall of shirts at Carlstens.


Alex Riddick in front of painting.


Dora - Model in Al Murphy fashion show at the Robert Treat Hotel in Newark. Dora was young lady who came to Alex's store and had a crush on him. She worked for Bell telephone company in Elizabeth, NJ. Albert Murphy observed that she came in to the store often. He persuaded her to model in the fashion shows.  


Al Murphy in the same fashion show at the Robert Treat Hotel in Newark.