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. 


Kris Scorsone and Alex Riddick, May 12, 2025.

 

View Alex's full photo collection on Queer Newark's Flickr and below: 

Alex Riddick in Newark, 1967.


Alex Riddick in Newark, 1967.


Charles Scott (left) and Alex Riddick (right) on 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 and they remained friends into their middle age years. Alex took care of Charles during his last year of life at his house in Newark. He passed away from AIDS on August 26, 1996. 


Rest in Power, Charles Randolph Scott. 


Carlsten's Inc. Alex (left) and Al Murphy (second from left). Irv Balot (2nd from right with glasses). Alex started working at Carlsten's in 1967. 


Alex Riddick leaning against wall of shirts at Carlsten's.
 

Model named Dora walking in one of Al Murphy's fashion shows at the Robert Treat Hotel in Newark in the early 1970s. 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 and he persuaded her to model in the fashion shows.


Al Murphy in the same fashion show at the Robert Treat Hotel in Newark, early 1970s.


Alex Riddick - "This is my very favorite older photo." - 1965


Alex singing at a nightclub with Albert Murphy's arranged Fashion shows, Newark, 1969.


Alex Riddick in Woodstock - Upstate New York, 1969.


Alex Riddick in St. Albans, Queens, New York City, 1969.


Alex Riddick at Lincoln Center, 1971.


Alex Riddick moved to Denver, Colorado in 1973. This photo was taken that year.


Alex Riddick in Denver, Colorado 1973.

Alex Riddick in Montclair, New Jersey, 1984.