David L. Longridge, Jr.

David "Dave" Longridge, Jr. Longtime Northville educator and coach David (Dave) Longridge passed away peacefully with his family at his side on December 21, 2016. Known over the years for his kind demeanor and love of sports, he was a lifelong resident of Northville. Born David Liddell Longridge, Jr. on June 19, 1933 in Dearborn, MI to David and Bertha Longridge, Dave attended Fordson High School and graduated in 1951. A standout athlete, he was a three year varsity letter winner in both football and basketball. He was named to the All-Cities League in football in 1950 and basketball in 1951. Following high school, Dave served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1952-56. His proud service included sea duty aboard the USS Albany and later the Philadelphia Naval Reserve Fleet, 5th Naval District. He also captained the Philadelphia Naval District basketball team to a championship during his service. Dave earned a B.A. In Education from Eastern Michigan University in 1960 and his M.A. In Education from EMU in 1964. He was captain and quarterback for Eastern Michigan's football team in 1959. He went on to spend his entire professional career with the Northville Public School District. He taught at the former Northville Junior High, was assistant principal at Northville High School from 1968-74, principal of Cooke Junior High from 1974-85, and principal of Meads Mill Middle School from 1985 until he retired in 1997. Students often referred to him as "Uncle Dave" and he more than once pulled a retainer from a trash can, performed the Heimlich maneuver a few times, and famously reminded students late to class that he was "not running a country club here!"Dave took great pride in being named Michigan Principal of the Year for Middle Schools and Secondary Schools in 1996 and Oakland County Basketball Coach of the Year for the 1961-62 season. During that magical season for Northville, he led his team to the MHSAA District, Regional and Quarterfinal Championships before falling to River Rouge in the Semi-Finals in 1962. Several well-known athletes benefited from the tutelage of Dave as their coach, including MSU All-American Steve Juday and University of Michigan basketball standout Dan Brown. Dave was a member of The First Presbyterian Church of Northville where he served as a trustee. He was active in the Northville community and enjoyed coaching youth sports for many years. He also teamed with longtime Northville residents Dick Ambler and Hal Wright to head up the annual Old Timers Luncheon, an event he always enjoyed. Dave was married for 57 years to his loving wife Margaret (nee Tudor). In addition to his wife, he leaves behind two children, daughter Karen (Matthew) Cullen, and son David (Sonia), and five grandchildren, Matthew, Ryan, and John Cullen, and Jason and Meily Longridge. He also leaves a sister, Carole (Bill) Rankin and several nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.     The family will greet friends from 4-8 p.m. on Wednesday, January 4, 2017 at Casterline Funeral Home, 122 W. Dunlap Street in Northville.  A memorial service will be held on Thursday, January 5, 2017, at 11 a.m. at The First Presbyterian Church, 200 E. Main St., Northville with a luncheon following at Genitti's, 108 Main St., Northville. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial tributes be made to the Northville Educational Foundation or The First Presbyterian Church of Northville