Arthur was born on March 31, 1938 in Dover to the late Charles and Alice (Johnson) Riker. Arthur was a proud navy veteran, after his service, he received his Bachelor’s degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University and his Master’s degree from William Paterson. Prior to his retirement, Arthur worked as a History and Geography teacher at Valleyview Middle School for 30 years. In his spare time, he enjoyed playing golf. In retirement, he joined a golfing group and even encouraged his wife to pick up the sport so they could enjoy playing together. Arthur enjoyed traveling with his wife and family; especially trips to historical sites and National Parks, along with many trips to Disneyworld and Long Beach Island. Arthur served two terms as a member on the Andover Borough Counsel; he also served on the Board of Health and Planning Board and would work the polls during the elections. He was elected as the Andover Borough Senior Citizen of the Year in 2012. Arthur was a lifelong fan of the Dallas Cowboys, Los Angeles Dodgers and Penn State Sports Teams. The most important thing to Arthur was his family; he cherished his wife and daughters and was such a proud grandpa.
The beloved husband of Diana Riker, Arthur is survived by his daughters, Pamela Luhowy and her husband Peter and Donna Ryan and her husband Patrick; his grandchildren, Brayden, Andrew, Caelyn and Benjamin; his sister Jane Sweigart and his brother Donald Riker. Along with his parents, his brothers Kenneth and Robert Riker predeceased Arthur.
A visitation will be held on Friday, December 17, 2021 from 5-8 p.m. at Smith-McCracken Funeral Home, 63 High St., Newton, NJ 07860.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice, www.karenannquinlanhospice.org or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, www.stjude.org
Arrangements are under the direction of Smith-McCracken Funeral Home. Online condolences may be offered on www.smithmccrackenfuneralhome.com
