Irwin C. Ricker, Jr.

Irwin C. "Rick" Ricker, 91, passed away March 9th. He is now rejoined in eternal life with his beloved wife, Hazel. They were married for 68 years. Rick lived a life of dedicated service to God, his country, and his family.

Rick started his first job in 1932 when he was 9-years-old singing in the boys' choir at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Boston.

He went on to serve in the Army during World War II. Rick was a member of the 96th Infantry Division and fought in the first wave of the invasion on Leyte and Okinawa. He was injured on Okinawa and was awarded the Purple Heart. He was also awarded the Bronze Star before being honorably discharged on December 1st, 1945.

Then, Rick and Hazel started their family whom he proudly called his "legacy". His life of service was an example he passed on to them. He will be remembered for his storytelling, his jokes, and his gentle spirit.

Rick was a member of the Masons attending the Patmos Lodge No. 70, Ellicott City, for many years and was Past Master at that lodge. Mr Ricker was a life time member of the VFW and held several offices including Chaplin.

Rick is survived five children, Carol Bungay and husband, Ronald, Keith and wife, Susan, Stephen and wife, Carol, Amy Lange and husband, John, Donald and wife, Carol. His siblings, Marilyn, Robert, and Bruce Ricker. 14 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends at the Maryland Masonic Homes (Bonnie Blink), 300 International Cir. Cockeysville, MD 21030 on Tuesday, March 17 from 10 to 11AM at which time a memorial service will be celebrated at 11 AM. Interment Baltimore National Cemetery, Catonsville, MD.

Expressions of sympathy may be made in Mr. Ricker’s name to VFW Foundation, 406 W. 34th St., Suite 920, Kansas City, MO 64111 and/or Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 14301,Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301.