Rodney A. Ricker

Rodney A. (“Rick”) Ricker, 87, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 3, 2019.  He was born on November 19, 1931, in Danvers, MA, son of the late Arthur and Hazel Ricker. Rick was preceded in death by his wife of 46 years, Alicia J. Ricker. He was a veteran of the Air Force serving in the 91st Air Refueling Squadron during the Korean War.

One of Rick’s passions was his work; he started working for Emerson Oil Service in Rowley in 1961, and he and Alicia purchased the company in 1982, providing top-quality service to his customers. It was just in the past month, December 2018 that he sold the business to his long-time employee Tim Southall, who will continue the business in the same tradition.

Rick was a very talented tradesman and could build or fix anything with his own two hands; whether it be the home he built and raised his family in or a simple birdhouse for Alicia’s perennial gardens. He was also sharp as a tack and so very independent; he would remember names, customers, stories and events from decades ago or from just yesterday, and he was able to live in the home he built until his passing. He was affectionately known by his grandchildren as Bup, and they all have wonderful memories of the time they spent with him and Grammie. He will be fondly remembered and dearly missed.

He is survived by a son, Scott Ricker of Bradford, MA; two daughters, JoAnne Zellner and her husband Michael of Southport, NC, and Jeanne Greeley and her husband David of Boxford, MA, a sister, Marilyn Weagle and her husband Arthur of Ipswich; 8 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He was the father of the late Stephen Ricker.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service on Thursday, January 10, 2019, at 10 a.m. in the First Congregational Church of Rowley, 175 Main Street, Rowley. By request there will be no calling hours and burial will be private for the family. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the National Emphysema Foundation, 128 East Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06851. 

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