Charles E. Ricker, 90, of Bristol, husband of Dolores (Bordonaro) Ricker and widower of Bettie (Tatro) Ricker, passed away on Monday, Nov. 27, at John Dempsey Hospital surrounded by family and a few Oreo cookies (his favorite).
Charlie was born on March 24, 1933, in Bristol and was a son of the late Isaac and Emma (Riggs) Ricker. A lifelong Bristol resident, he graduated from Bristol High School then enlisted to serve in the United States Navy during the Korean War proudly serving aboard the battleship USS New Jersey (BB-62) for four years.
After he was piped off by his shipmates, Charlie returned home and continued to serve his community in many ways. He achieved a bachelor’s degree and worked for General Electric in Plainville for 34 years retiring in 1995.
He held memberships with the American Legion Post 2, the Bristol Korean Veteran’s Association, Veterans of Foreign Wars, the USS New Jersey Veteran’s Association, along with the Bristol Senior Center, the Frederick-Franklin Lodge #14 AF & AM, the Bristol Elk’s Lodge #1010, and the Bristol Senior Center.
He was a Ham Radio Operator as a member of the Bristol Radio Club (WA1OOP) and worshiped as a member of Prospect United Methodist Church, Bristol.
In addition to his wife, Charlie is survived by three children: Robin Winters and husband, David of Valrico, Fla., Tim Ricker of Bristol, and Lisa Gleason and husband, Rick of Dagsboro, Del.; three step-children: Theresa Becker and husband, David of Boston, Mass., Susan Labadia and husband, Gregory of Orleans, Mass., and Karen Serio and husband, Andy of Newington; two sisters: Ruth Troy of St. Petersburg, Fla., and Vivian Brackett of New Britain; eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, who all loved Grandpa Charlie; and several nieces and nephews.
His family has organized several opportunities to pay respects and salute a life well lived, funeral services will be held on Thursday, Nov. 30, at 11 a.m. at Prospect United Methodist Church, 99 Summer St., Bristol. Burial, with military honors, will follow in West Cemetery, Bristol.
Relatives and friends may call at Funk Funeral Home, 35 Bellevue Ave., Bristol, on Wednesday between 4 and 6 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in Charlie’s name may be made to the Prospect United Methodist Church Book of Remembrance Fund, 99 Summer St., Bristol, CT 06010.
Please visit Charlie’s memorial website at www.FunkFuneralHome.com.
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