Ferdinand Rikka

Born in Tartu, Estonia, he immigrated to the United States and proudly became an American citizen. He ran his business and raised his family in Lakewood, NJ since the 1950’s.

A lifelong mason contractor, he delighted in showing his family his “jobs” around Ocean and Monmouth Counties. He was very proud of his labors and was especially proud of building his own home. He loved his property; his lake, his woods and his birds. He employed many Estonian immigrants through the years as masons in many housing developments including the original Crestwood Village in Whiting, NJ. He had a very strong work ethic throughout his whole life.

He was proud to be an American and loved the Republican presidents. For many years, he was an active member of the Lakewood Estonian Club and taught traditional Estonian folk dancing to many generations of Estonian-Americans in the tri-state area. He led many troupes of performing dancers in traditional Estonian costumes throughout America. He was a deacon at the Immanuel Estonian Lutheran Church in Lakewood. He never said “no” to a good time or a party and celebrated life thoroughly with joy and much dancing.

He was predeceased by his wife, Lemmi. Surviving are daughters: Rita Rikka Williams and Irma Lidaka. He also leaves behind his grandchildren: Kristin of Grove City, OH and Zachary of Brooklyn, NY, and his son-in-law Mark of Asbury Park.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday at 5:30pm at D’Elia Funeral Home, Rte. 70 & Vermont Ave., Lakewood.

Friends may call at the funeral home on Thursday from 4-6pm. For directions, or to post a tribute online, please visit www.dealifuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Estonian Lutheran Church, 607 E. 7th Street, Lakewood, NJ 08701.