Mr Earle Gaylord Eldridge

Earle Gaylord Eldridge was born on February 12, 1958, in Washington, D.C., to Vasco P. Eldridge and Ethel Thompson Eldridge. Earle was raised in North Michigan Park. He spent his days in the Michigan Park neighborhood, where he developed lifelong friendships that would shape his future. Earle was a proud product of the D.C. Public Schools, attending Brookland Elementary School, Bertie Backus Middle School and McKinley Tech High School. Even as a teenager, Earle’s love of cars was evident. His first car was a sporty red MG convertible. This love of cars would later land him his dream job. He also loved music, attending George Clinton and Chuck Brown concerts and festivals at Fort Dupont and Rock Creek Park. Earle was always a hard worker. One of his first jobs was at the Safeway grocery store off Rhode Island Avenue, working alongside his lifelong friends, Richard Anderson and James Barnes. In October of 1975, Earle became a young father, welcoming a beautiful baby girl, Shondell Speller, whom he adored. Being the son of a teacher, obtaining a good education was paramount. Earle started college at George Washington University, and transferred to the illustrious Howard University. While studying journalism and political science at Howard, he met a classmate, Shirley Carswell. Both Earle and Shirley worked for the student newspaper, The Hilltop, spending long hours in the offices on Fourth Street NW on production nights. They married in 1983 in Pittsburgh, Pa., surrounded by family and friends. Earle graduated from Howard in 1984. After graduating, Earle and Shirley moved to Detroit, where Earle interned and was later hired as a reporter at the Detroit News, covering local politics. In 1985, Earle and Shirley welcomed their daughter, Serena. In 1988, Earle was transferred back to Washington, D.C., and began working for USA Today. While at USA Today, Earle covered the Los Angeles riots, traveling alongside Jesse Jackson. He later wrote for the Money section of USA Today, where he reported on business and finance. In 1991, Earle and Shirley welcomed another baby girl, Stephanie. Soon after, Earle landed his dream assignment: covering the automotive industry. One of his favorite articles was when he traveled to L.A. on assignment, and took his father, Vasco, with him to view Jay Leno’s extensive car collection. While he loved writing and covering the auto industry, his all-time favorite job perk was the ability to test drive brand new cars. He would drive the cars for a week or two and write reviews detailing his experience. Another perk of the job was traveling to different auto shows. One of his favorites was the Detroit Auto Show. He shared this love with his daughters and grandsons; attending the D.C. auto show in January became a family tradition. After leaving the daily news business, Earle worked briefly in corporate communications for Chrysler and was a freelance writer. Later in life, Earle converted to Catholicism and joined St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church. Earle served tirelessly in the church Emergency Food Pantry, coordinating the drop off and pick up of food with Food Banks and delivering food to homes. Earle was always lending a helping hand, whether it be giving someone a ride or assistance in navigating D.C. government services. He also helped count the offerings and collections weekly at St. Anthony’s. He led new members classes and assisted in the church’s garden. During his time at St. Anthony’s he also became a member of the Knights of Columbus. Earle loved his family. Family was foundational for him. He often fondly told stories of going to the Eastern Shore with his Uncle Eldon and Aunt Jackie and their children to fish and eat crabs. His three daughters were the sunshine of his life. As his daughters got older, Earle created 3D, “Daddy Daughter Day”, which was a scheduled monthly time for him and his three girls to get together and spend quality time, whether it be a movie, dinner or just hanging out and talking. He often attended his grandson Tre’s baseball games and supported grandson Cameron’s growing musical talent by purchasing a drum set for him. Earle loved to read, and could often be found in the morning poring over the paper. His desire to learn new things never waned; he recently signed up for a Spanish class and frequently shared bits of new knowledge with his family via text. He loved discussing stories he found interesting with his daughters and friends. Earle was a family man and faithful servant who knew and loved the Lord. He passed away peacefully on January 15, 2024, in Washington surrounded by his daughters. His parents Vasco and Ethel preceded him in death. He is survived by his daughters, Shondell Speller of Hyattsville, Md.; Serena Price (Joel) of Laurel, Md.; and Stephanie Eldridge of Glenn Dale, Md.; a brother, Louis P. Eldridge of Cary, N.C.; grandsons Joel Price III and Cameron Price; his aunts, Araminta Anderson and Mary Hayman (Eldon Sr.) and his uncle, Earle Eldridge. He is also survived by his former wife, Shirley Carswell; his godson Ross Johnson; and many relatives and friends.

Mr Earle Gaylord Eldridge

February 12, 1958 - January 15, 2024