John Ellis Bridge, 73, a lifelong resident of St. Petersburg, Florida, passed away peacefully at his home on December 6, 2025. 

Born to Ann and Johnny Bridge, John was their oldest child. He graduated from St. Petersburg High School in 1970 and attended St. Petersburg Junior College. He proudly served in the United States Naval Reserves, based in Tampa, from 1970 to 1976. 

John, along with his father, Johnny, and brother Lorin, owned and operated Acme Air Conditioning and Heating until he retired in 2018. A man of deep faith, he served as a Deacon at Northeast Presbyterian Church. 

John loved sports and community. He coached his sons for more than 12 years at Northeast Little League, and he enjoyed golf, boating, and fishing throughout his life. He was an avid Florida Gator and Duke Blue Devils fan and a long-time member of both the Quarterback Club and the Dragon’s Club. 

John was preceded in death by his parents, Ann and Johnny Bridge. He is survived by his devoted wife of 49 years, Marilyn (“Mimi”); his sons Jay (Cara), Ryan (Julie), Kyle (Angie), and Trevor (Emily); and his beloved grandchildren Emrie, Hana, Hayden, Hunter, Camden, Lincoln, Bodie, Blakely, and Colbie. He is also survived by his step-grandchildren Austin Scarborough (Destiny) and Byron Meyers (Danielle), and great step-grandchildren Paisley, Davie, and Troy. Additional survivors include his siblings Lorin Bridge (Patty), Debbie Moore, and Nancy King (Don), as well as three nieces and nephews and four grand-nieces and grand-nephews. 

A celebration of John’s life will be held Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Anderson McQueen. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by a service at 11:00 a.m. and a reception. 

John was fun-loving, kind, and deeply devoted to his family. He will be missed by all who knew him. In lieu of flowers, the Bridge family welcomes gifts made in John’s memory to the YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg.