Dorien Gabriel John Riddick

DORIEN GABRIEL JOHN RIDDICK was born on December 5, 1981, in Indianapolis, Indiana, to Thaddeus and Angela Riddick (Harvey). He was the third of three children and the only son.

Dorien attended Broad Ripple High School and received Culinary Certification from Job Corps’ “School to Work” Program.

He was employed at the Stevanto Group Pharmaceutical Packaging Company in Fishers, Indiana.

In years past, Dorien was a long-time employee of Comcast/Xfinity as the “Cable Guy” and often had funny and interesting stories about the customers and situations he encountered or found himself in.

“Chef Doro,” as he called himself when indulging in his love for anything and everything food-related, excelled as a “Chef,” creating mouthwatering food masterpieces that family, friends, and, most recently, clients raved about. He was even known for his own spin on empanadas, where he used unique ingredient combinations in his empanada fillings. He was actually in the process of launching his own catering business called “It’s The Sauce” and had booked several successful events.

Dorien was also an avid fisherman and enjoyed unwinding and reconnecting with nature on his fishing getaways.

He had three beautiful children who were the love and pride of his life. Fatherhood was one of the roles that he relished and cherished, and the fact that he had just added the title of “Granddaddy” to the list, with the birth of his first granddaughter, had given him a “renewed” joy in his paternal role.

To say that Dorien was a “people person” would be an understatement! He met no strangers and had a personality that seemed to mesh with whatever group of people he found himself in the company of. He had a way of making you feel like you were the only thing of importance when you were in his presence, or when he was having a conversation with you. He has definitely left an indelible mark on the hearts of his family, friends, and community with his infectious laugh, larger-than-life persona, and beautiful spirit, which will be sorely missed!

And while he has passed away at 44 years of age, there was so much life between December 5,1981, and July 7, 2026 that could not be reduced to just a few paragraphs on the pages of an obituary, and it’s so sad that, that’s all we have left to commemorate his passing with.

When he left us on July 7th, he left to mourn his passing and celebrate his life; his children, Madison Alexis, Dorien Gabriel John II and Daniyah Monyae Denise Riddick, his granddaughter, Namielle Rose Riddick. His sisters, Precious and Amber Taylor, his mother, Angela Harvey, his long-time partner, Shanika Davidson , whom he affectionately called

“Buddah.” His nephews, Ashton Sr. And Ashton Jr. His nieces, Mariah, Samara, Jade, Ziah, and Khy’ani. His aunt and uncle, Neikolyn and Rodney. His cousins, Juan, Devon, Madison, Taylor, and Rodney.

His bonus sons, Jalen and Brian Poteet. His lifelong friend and (“Brother from another Mother”), Rodney Doss. And stepfather,James Carter. There is a long list of 2nd and 3rd cousins, two great-aunts, and honorary “Aunties, Uncles and Cousins,” and an endless list of friends and acquaintances!

May God bless you all for the love and support you have shown him throughout his lifetime!

Service for Dorien will be held Saturday July 18, 2026 at Indiana Funeral Care, 8151 Allisonville Rd., Indianapolis, IN, 46250. Friends and family are welcome to gather for a public visitation from 11am - 1pm, followed by a service at 1pm at the funeral home.

Services will be livestreamed.

Indiana Funeral Care is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements.