1938 - 2024
OBITUARY
A man that touched many, many lives in so many wonderful ways has gone to his final rest. Martin William Ricker Sr. passed away at his home on July 10, 2024, shortly after his 86th birthday, and after a six month battle with cancer. He was born June 24, 1938, in Malden, Massachusetts. His parents were Walter Ricker and Frances Ricker. He had four siblings, Joanne, Walter, Hope, and Thomas. He is survived by Thomas. He fathered four children with his wife of 47 years, Patricia, who passed away in 2006. The children were, with spouses, Kevin, wife; Christine, Suzanne, Martin, wife; Lisa and James, fiancé; Cheryl. Suzanne passed away in 2017. He has four grandchildren, from Kevin and Christine; Athena 28 with husband Frank and Kevin Jr, 24, from James; Erin, 19, and Ryan, 29. He also has two great grandchildren from Athena; Vincent, 6, and Valentina, 3. He is survived by his wife of four years, Carol, and four stepchildren; Geneva, husband; Sean, Rebecca, husband; Marty, Richard, wife; Michelle, Julie, husband; Billy; 7 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren who knew and loved him. He retired from IBM after forty years as Chief Metallurgist. While at IBM, in 1983, he published a paper on Metallographic Techniques for the Elsevier Science Publishing Company. He was a Boy Scout leader, including his own boys, and holds the distinct honor of having his entire group of Boy Scouts reach the rank of Eagle Scout, simultaneously, which was unprecedented. He was an avid softball player, playing for many years into the Senior Leagues. He had the reputation of being the best first baseman in the Hudson Valley. He was a hunter and local sports club guide and shooting instructor, again receiving accolades from his peers. He trained retrievers for the sports clubs and had several of his own, whom he loved deeply. He loved vintage sports cars, especially Ford Mustangs, of which he had owned several. He raced two of them at Lime Rock raceway regularly. He also completed the Pike's Peak challenge, a climb of over 14,000 feet, twelve miles, and 156 turns, with his 1967 Fastback Mustang. He led a very full life. He was loved by his family, friends, neighbors, and their children, who would ask to play with his dogs whenever they could. He was loved most by his family, especially his children, who are the people they are because of the wonderful, loving, respectful, and incredible example of what a true Dad should be. He will be sorely and deeply missed by all who knew him and loved him. Rest in peace, Dad. In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations be made to The Dyson for Cancer Care or Hudson Valley Hospice of Dutchess County.
VISITATION
Wednesday, July 17
4:00 - 8:00 PM
Delehanty Funeral Home
64 East Main Street, Wappingers Falls, NY
GRAVESIDE SERVICE & INTERMENT
Thursday, July 18
11:00 AM
Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery
342 South Ave, Poughkeepsie, NY